A file photo of a pit dug up in 2011 in the median, between Namma Metro pillars for rainwater harvesting, on M. G. Road in Bengaluru. In 2022, ActionAid conducted a survey to evaluate the status of such RWH systems in Namma Metro infrastructure in Bengaluru.
| Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar
In a city grappling with water shortage and a plummeting groundwater table, the implementation of rainwater harvesting (RWH) remains a distant reality. This is true of not just residential and commercial structures, but the Namma Metro too, despite a ₹65 lakh tender floated by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited ( BMRCL).
While BMRCL reports that approximately 150 RWH structures are currently operational, activists report a much lower number and question their effectiveness.
“Our investigation reveals that only 30 rainwater harvesting systems are currently operational at metro stations along the Purple and Green Lines. For the upcoming Yellow Line, the government has not issued any written directive or notice regarding the installation of such systems. As a result, a significant amount of water in Bengaluru is being wasted,” said Raghavendra B. Pachhapur, Senior Project Lead with NGO ActionAid Association.
Mr. Pachhapur criticised the BWSSB, which plays a crucial role in implementing rainwater harvesting in the city. “BWSSB is avoiding its responsibilities and is more focused on large-scale projects. Their Vision 2050 plan involves bringing water from 250 km away, which is a waste of money and comes with enormous operating costs. Why not simply utilise the rainfall Bengaluru receives? BWSSB must take responsibility for capturing and storing the city’s rainwater,” he added.
Responding to these concerns, Yashwanth Chavan, Chief Public Relations Officer, BMRCL explained that they are taking ‘feasible necessary steps’. “A ₹65 lakh tender was announced in March 2024 for new RWH structures but was initially discharged due to a lack of response. On re-tendering, the contract was awarded in December 2024. The work is yet to commence,” he said.
One of the primary challenges, according to Mr Chavan, is Bengaluru’s geology, which makes it difficult to find the required depth for recharge wells. To address this, BMRCL plans to construct recharge wells along the median under the viaducts of Phase 2A and 2B, with site feasibility assessments currently underway. Additionally, new depots under construction will include RWH arrangements wherever possible.
Despite these plans, activists argue that progress is slow and the impact of existing RWH structures remains unclear.
“With Bengaluru’s population increasing and the BWSSB consistently not being able to make its mark, the city will soon not be able to depend on groundwater as well,” an activist said.
In 2022, ActionAid conducted a survey to evaluate the status of RWH systems in Namma Metro infrastructure in Bengaluru. According to the ActionAid survey, an ideal RWH system includes pipes leading rainwater to percolate and recharge groundwater. However, their findings revealed that 8 pipes were found to be broken, 4 pits were clogged, 7 were filled with trash, 60 were not visible near the pillars, 5 water storage tanks were broken, among other problems in places where the system was implemented.
RWH is a simple method of collecting, filtering, and storing rainwater for future use. According to Section 72 of the BWSSB Act, RWH is mandatory for all existing buildings on plots of 2,400 sq. ft. or more, as well as for new construction on sites measuring 1,200 sq. ft. and above in Bengaluru.
As of March 2024, a total of 1,96,591 residential buildings in Bengaluru have implemented rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems, while 39,213 buildings remain non-compliant despite facing monthly penalties. Since July 2016, the BWSSB has been collecting ₹1.98 crore to ₹2 crore in penalties each month for non-implementation of RWH in residential buildings.
Published – February 01, 2025 12:38 pm IST