Indore to install 25k rooftop rainwater harvesting units

Indore: In view of upcoming monsoon season, Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) set a target to install at least 25,000 rooftop rainwater harvesting systems across the city. "We have established a zone-wise target, aiming for a minimum of 25,000 rooftop rainwater harvesting systems in Indore," said IMC commissioner Shivam Verma. He explained that the IMC will actively assist the installation of these systems at private properties. "Zone-level officials have already begun reaching out to and urging owners of large structures to prioritise the installation of rooftop rainwater harvesting systems. This will play a crucial role in conserving rainwater and contributing to the increase of the groundwater level," the commissioner said.

Verma also mentioned that approximately 1 lakh rooftop rainwater harvesting systems were already installed throughout the city in previous years. "We have also initiated contact with the owners of these existing systems, encouraging them to undertake desilting and other necessary maintenance work before the onset of the monsoon," he said. Emphasising the importance of rainwater conservation, he noted that it is vital for recharging groundwater levels and helping to resolve the issue of water scarcity.

"Indore is the first city in Madhya Pradesh where state govt issued bylaws making it mandatory for structures exceeding 1,500 square feet to install a rooftop rainwater harvesting system," the commissioner said. He pointed out that there is a provision for penalties for non-compliance with this order. "However, our initial approach is to request people to install the systems voluntarily before we begin imposing any penalties," Verma said.