A one-stop shop for all queries about rainwater harvesting

A rainwater harvesting mela will be held at Bal Bhavan in Cubbon Park on March 20 to commemorate  World Water Day. The event is organised jointly by Arghyam, a public charitable foundation working in the water sector, and the Bangalore Water Supply And Sewerage Board, Jalamandali Abhiyantara Sangha and Karnataka State Council for Science and Technology (KSCST), Indian Institute of Science. AR Shivakumar, executive secretary of the KSCST,  spoke to DNA on how the mela will be a one-stop shop for all rain water harvesting information, from laws to qualified plumbers, and why Bangaloreans need to have an attitudinal shift and become active conservors of water. Is there sufficient rainfall to sustain the rain water harvesting initiative?I can assure you that Bangalore has a good amount of annual rainfall. In fact, annual average has even seen an increase, from 927 mm to about 1,000 mm. Rain water harvesting is one of the most suitable options for a city like Bangalore, which has seen such a sharp rise in population. It will enhance existing supply and mitigate the problem of non-availability. If all goes as planned, up to 40% of the existing consumption will be served by rain water. How will the mela help?At present, people do not know whom to get in touch with to make their home comply with the rule. This mela will offer a chance to interact with specialists. There will be stalls where the rules are explained, and even those that give you details of filters and trained plumbers. The KSCST also has helplines that function between 10 am to 5.30 pm,  Monday to Friday.  The numbers are: 23341658, 23348840, and 23348848. What else is needed for the success of the initiative?People’s attitudes need a shift. We need to be more appreciative of nature’s gift. Also, it is time that people take ownership of the situation and take constructive steps. The government can only facilitate the efforts of citizens.  Should people look at community-based rain water harvesting?Under the rules, all existing buildings in sites that measure 60X40 feet and above need to have rain water harvesting facilities. All new constructions in sites of 30X40 feet and above will also need to be equipped with such facilities. However, this does not mean that sites that do not fall in these categories need no rain water harvesting. It is quite likely that in a few years, sites of 30X40 feet will also be covered by the rule. Community-based initiatives are being taken up in many areas. We are helping the BBMP to build ground water recharge wells that  divert rain water to the ground, so that the water table increases. Storm water drains are being designed with in-built filteration, which helps rain water percolate to the ground.