Groundwater levels are decreasing each passing day. However, seldom are people bothered about this. A family in Valsad is an exception as it practises rainwater harvesting in the house. Travis DeSouza, 40, a resident of Abrama in Valsad is a railway employee. What sets him apart is his concern for natural resources and protecting the environment.
That's why he has been practising rainwater harvesting in his house for the past 10 years. He collects rainwater to use it for daily chores. None of the family members have suffered any health problems till date thought they use rainwater for drinking and cooking.
"By doing so, I try to avoid wastage of water supplied by the local body. I feel that appropriate usage of natural resources is vital. My family also supports me in my attempt to preserve nature," he says.
DeSouza says he was inspired by a friend 10 years ago who told him about the advantages of rainwater harvesting. His friend explained to him that consuming rainwater is not harmful but beneficial. After verifying the information he decided to implement the system.
"To collect rainwater I laid pipes on the roof and at the corners of the house. Water from the pipelines directly goes into plastic water tanks. I have borewells drilled in the house through which rainwater goes into the ground," he said. As Valsad falls in the south Gujarat region, it receives good rainfall which is why the DeSouza family is able to collect and store sufficient amount of rainwater.
"Rainwater tastes sweeter than tap water. Whenever we have offered rainwater to our guests, they have been amazed as it is not widely known that rainwater is consumable," DeSouza said.
His action has inspired many people in his family and social circle. While many consume rainwater, others have adopted rainwater harvesting.
