The Hindu 17.07.2013
‘Harvesting rainwater will increase groundwater’
Rainwater harvesting structures should be made mandatory for new constructions, said Nilgiris Collector Archana Patnaik here on Tuesday.
Presiding over a seminar organised by the Tamil Nadu Water and Drainage (TWAD) Board to enhance awareness about the benefits of rainwater harvesting among representatives of various local bodies in the district, she underscored the need to equip all buildings with suitable rainwater harvesting facilities.
The administration would evolve ways to provide government buildings with such structures.
Pointing out that the scheme to harvest rain water was being implemented until a few years ago, she said that efforts are on to revive it with vigour.
Emphasising the need to recharge groundwater, she said that the harvesting rain water would serve the purpose.
Though the current South West Monsoon was progressing well, the people should not forget that the district had to contend with acute water scarcity during the last couple of years.
The value of water should always be kept in mind.
Explaining the objective of the seminar, Assistant Executive Engineer, TWAD Board, Pollachi G. Sasidharan said that problems were cropping up because nature’s laws were being violated.
The people should learn to live in harmony with nature. Pointing out that water topped the list of natural resources, he said that the requirements of posterity should not be lost sight of by the people.
The water sources created by the late Chief Minister K. Kamaraj were helping the people now.
All individuals must now join the effort.
Hydro Geologist, TWAD, Coimbatore M. Sagadhevan, said that people should familiarise themselves with the reasons for water scarcity. The screening of an appeal by Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa to harvest rainwater, a video, “Crying Earth” made by the late singer Michael Jackson and the administration of a pledge to save rainwater formed part of the seminar.
Bounty from the skies Government buildings likely to have rainwater harvesting structures soon Efforts to revive water saving schemes being implemented till recently District grappled with acute water shortage over the last couple of years People urged to always keep in mind the value of conserving water.
