The Times of India 10.09.2009
Ahead of monsoon, Metrowater seeks to create awareness about RWH among city residents
CHENNAI: Did you know that if rainwater harvesting (RWH) is implemented properly across the city (174 sq km), nearly 42 lakh people can receive 150 litres everyday? To create awareness about such benefits and to educate people about the maintenance of RWH structures, the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) conducted a training programme on Wednesday for Chennai residents at it's training centre in Aynavaram.
Nearly 100 members belonging to various residential associations attended the training programme. Speaking at the inauguration, CMWSSB managing director Shiv Dass Meena said that due to increase in groundwater very little water was being drawn from lakes around the city. "Before 2005, we were drawing nearly 125 million litres from Poondi, Araniyar and Kosalaiyar lakes. Since we have saved rainwater over the years, only 30 million litres are being drawn now," he said.
According to Meena, the water needs of two municipalities can be met if a minimum of six million litres is saved a day. "With the northeast monsoon expected from October, RWH must be practised by all residents. This year, the southwest monsoon rain was very less in Chennai, only 56% of the normal rainfall," he said.
According to the engineering director, CMWSSB, G Elangovan, the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in Minjur had reduced from 2,000 TDS to 600 TDS after groundwater got recharged, thanks to RWH.
Among those who attended the programme were members of the Rotract Club, Chennai. They propose to create awareness about RWH and maintenance of RWH structures in nearly 60 colleges and 100 schools in Chennai. They have sought permission from CMWSSB to do so.
"We conduct a meeting of college Rotract Club presidents frequently. At these meetings, we suggest projects that can be highlighted. This time, we will ask them to create awareness about RWH among college students and, through them, among society at large," said David, one of the members of the club.
A Thangam, organiser of the Integrated Child Development Scheme in Mogappair said that water levels had improved in schools in Mogappair where RWH was conducted.
"Earlier, there was a lot of problems when RWH structures were not installed. It was hard to get water. Now we are at ease. We will be spreading the message about RWH in other centres too," said Thangam.
