The Indian Express 14.09.2009
Vadodara civic body makes rainwater harvesting mandatory for new constructions
In view of the depleting groundwater level, the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has yet again attempted to make the citizens aware of the benefits of rainwater harvesting.
To this effect, the VMC has issued a notification whereby any upcoming construction within its limits will need to have percolating wells for rainwater harvesting.
Even those constructing new buildings by demolishing old structures in the Walled City areas will have to follow the rules.
According to officials of the Town Planning Department, the notification is actually being re-issued to simplify the building construction permission process.
Deputy Municipal Commissioner C M Makwana said: “The intention is to improve on the depleting groundwater level.
The guidelines were in existence. We have just made it mandatory with the new notification.
If the builders — who are planning to come up with new schemes — follow the system, it will help in improving the groundwater level.”
According to the notification, those who have diverted rainwater to drainage connection will have to get the certificate from the respective ward offices stating that the drainage connection for rainwater has been closed.
They have to procure this for getting the plinth check certificate.
Similarly, at the time of construction of the commercial building, the builder will have to mention about the arrangement for rainwater harvesting.
The same will be verified at the time of issuing the completion certificate.
As per the new rule, each multi-storeyed building will have to have one percolating well for each unit (residence or office). The location of the percolating well will have to be in a way that maximum water is accumulated in the well.
Similarly, in the tenement type of schemes there will have to be 4.50 metres of common margin between two building units, with 0.90 metre balcony projection at the slab level.
The level of basement will have to be mentioned in the plan and the surveyor will verify the same at the time of checking the plinth.
Each commercial complex and multi-storeyed building will have to show provisions for rainwater harvesting and the same will be cross-checked at the time of issuing the building completion certificates.
