The Times of India  17.08.2010

Water recycling mandatory for new housing schemes in PCMC

PUNE: Installation of water recycling systems is now mandatory for all new major housing schemes in the Pimpri-Chinchwad township.

The state government notification said: "Installation of system for recycling of waste water from bathrooms and kitchen sinks is mandatory in building layouts having net plot area, excluding area under development plan reservations, or development plan road, of 4,000 square metre and above. The recycling system shall be installed as per the norms and specifications decided by the municipal commissioner from time to time. The treated water may be used for gardening and all other purposes other than drinking...The modification is in public interest and therefore was sanctioned".

Deputy director of town planningAvinash Patil said the PCMC had sent the proposal to the state government last year. "A lot of new residential schemes are coming up in the fringe areas. Water recycling systems will help save drinking water, a priceless commodity. Small houses or other residential schemes can also install the system," he said.

Last year, the general body of the PCMC had approved the proposal to make amendments in the development control rules. As per the provisions of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, the corporation had invited suggestions and objections to the proposed amendment.

The owner of the building or the housing society shall ensure that the system is properly maintained and that the recycled water shall be used for non-potable purposes only. There would also be a provision for a monetary fine if the owner/ housing society fails to provide or properly maintain the recycling system. In the original proposal, the PCMC had suggested a fine of Rs 1,000 per year for every 100 square metre of built up area. However, the executable amount has not been fixed yet.