LUCKNOW: The housing department has mandated that construction firms and individuals undertaking residential, commercial, mixed-use, or other real estate projects of 10 acres or more must allocate 1% of the land for a waterbody.
This initiative aims to enhance groundwater recharge, as the water from the reservoir will be recycled for non-potable purposes like cleaning, green maintenance, and dust suppression.
While existing provisions for rainwater conservation in group housing projects are present, incorporating a waterbody in the layout will facilitate water diversion and recycling for diverse daily needs.
Senior officials from the department emphasized their goal of minimizing ‘surface runoff’ water waste. “Water that overflows from activities such as car cleaning, mopping, and irrigation will be redirected to the waterbody,” stated an official.
To ensure proper waterbody development at a lower elevation that naturally attracts runoff, assistance from land surveyors and geomatics experts will be sought.
The planned depth for the waterbody is ideally set at 2 meters. The recent government order issued by P Guruprasad, the principal secretary of the housing department, aims to address the urban island effect in cities.
In a related directive, developers must limit concrete usage when planning green areas, parks, and landscaping. “Layout plan approvals will be granted only if parks are developed with minimal concrete, allowing concrete to cover no more than 5% of the total green area,” the official added.
Furthermore, jogging tracks and walkways within the development should be made from permeable materials that allow groundwater seepage.
