PANAJI: While the water resources department (WRD) has initiated
subsidy schemes for rainwater harvesting, storing and usage in Goa, the
locations for these will be identified in a phased manner. The above
initiatives are expected to augment the availability of ground water
which can be judiciously used for various purposes.

According to
details furnished by the water resources department, various methods of
water harvesting have been implemented in Goa. These include open
bandharas structures, check dams, percolation stand or recharge pits,
roof top rainwater harvesting and other site specific measures.

Rain water harvesting and recharging ground water projects have been
executed at Verna and Kundaim industrial estates. For example, at Verna
industrial estate, three locations consisting of stilling basis with
infiltration shallow bore holes, two check dams and one recharge pit
have been constructed. Two check dams are constructed at Kundaim
industrial estate.

Many industries have constructed rain water
harvesting structures to conserve water during monsoons. Recharging
through existing service borewells, stilling basins and infiltration
bore wells, ground water recharge shaft are some of the recharge
structures executed by industries through their own funds.

In a
bid to implement rainwater harvesting on a larger scale in Goa, the
government has also issued a notification of government policy on roof
top rainwater harvesting. Rainwater harvesting for ground water
recharging is being considered on site specific needs. The schemes of
construction of percolation tanks for prolonged recharge beyond monsoon
will be identified and implemented as per techno-economic
considerations.

Importantly, the government has also made
rainwater harvesting mandatory for new residential complexes including
apartments on a plot of 2000 sq m and above, commercial complex on plot
of 1,500 sq m and above and industrial units on areas of 10,000 sq m and
above. Rainwater harvesting and recharging ground water is made
mandatory for the new industries and industries going for expansion by
the government.