Prayagraj Initiates Major Groundwater Revival Project with Rainwater Harvesting Banks
In response to steadily declining groundwater levels, the city of Prayagraj has embarked on a determined and strategic initiative to revive its aquifers by establishing rainwater harvesting banks across urban areas. This critical effort is being executed under the Union government's AMRUT Bharat Mission 2.0, which aims to scientifically recharge groundwater in regions experiencing excessive extraction and depletion.
Strategic Site Selection and Implementation Plan
The project commenced with officials mapping 30 potential locations for installing advanced rainwater harvesting systems. Following rigorous technical surveys and feasibility assessments, this initial list was carefully narrowed down to 13 sites. From these, a final selection of 10 locations will be made for the installation of the harvesting infrastructure. Once the finalization process is complete, construction and setup work will begin promptly to ensure timely implementation.
Officials from the Jalkal department emphasized that the shortlisted sites were strategically chosen to maximize the impact of groundwater recharge, ensuring benefits reach a broad and diverse section of the city's population. The selected areas are specifically those where groundwater usage is significantly high, making them ideal focal points for targeted recharge interventions. Each rainwater harvesting unit is projected to cost approximately Rs 5 lakh, reflecting a substantial investment in sustainable water management.
Key Locations Identified for Harvesting Systems
The shortlisted locations for the rainwater harvesting banks include prominent public and institutional sites across Prayagraj. These are:
- CMP College
- Hindu Hostel
- Municipal Corporation premises
- The Jhunsi well area
- Chandrashekhar Azad Park
- Saraswati Vidya Mandir in Vinoba Nagar Naini
- Ramlila Park in PDA Colony A Block Naini
- Kulbhaskar Ashram Agriculture College
- Ramkatha Park Sector 5 Transport Nagar
- ITI campus Naini
- The District Magistrate's residence
- The Divisional Commissioner's residence
- Khusro Bagh
Foundation and Expert Recommendations
The groundwork for this comprehensive plan was established during a workshop organized in October last year at the municipal corporation by the National Institute of Urban Affairs. During this event, experts from various fields underscored the urgent necessity for structured and systematic rainwater harvesting to improve the city's groundwater health and sustainability.
Acting on these expert recommendations, civic authorities have now progressed towards implementing a practical, location-specific solution designed to restore the falling groundwater table in Prayagraj. This initiative represents a proactive step in addressing water scarcity and promoting environmental resilience in the region.
