The state government is planning to give five to 10% rebate on the water bill for those who have put into practice rain water harvesting (RWH) at their houses in the city. The move is to encourage the building owners —of both residential and commercial buildings —- to adopt RWH.
“The state government is already giving a discount in the electricity bill to those who use solar energy devices and thus save energy. Likewise, we are thinking of giving a rebate for those who adopt RWH,” said IT-BT minister Katta Subramanya Naidu, also in charge of Bangalore Water Supply and Sewage Board (BWSSB). “The matter has already been discussed in the BWSSB board meeting. The exact rebate percentage will be announced in a week,” Naidu said.
The minister said that the BWSSB Act had been amended to make rainwater harvesting compulsory for new buildings in Bangalore. “The rule will be extended to all cities in the state. It will be applicable to all new buildings coming up in the city, including buildings of the government, educational institutions and also commercial ones. The government will pass the legislation in the next budget session,” the minister said.
“The matter has been discussed with the chief minister, the horticulture department and the PWD, all of whom have agreed to the proposal. We can solve 40- 45% of the urban water problems this way. If rain water is properly harvested, it will meet the city’s needs for six months a year,” the minister said.
