NASHIK: The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) is set to launch an inspection drive to verify the functionality of rainwater harvesting systems across the city.
In line with current regulations, the installation of rainwater harvesting systems is compulsory for all buildings, both residential and commercial, on plots of 500 sqm or larger. Mayor Himgauri Aher emphasized this directive during a recent planning department meeting aimed at assessing the effectiveness of rainwater harvesting for groundwater replenishment.
During the meeting, officials reviewed the enforcement of the mandatory rainwater harvesting requirement for buildings exceeding 500 sqm and evaluated the operational status of existing systems. Discussions also included potential penalties for those who violate the regulations.
Environmentalists present proposed incentives for citizens reporting non-compliance. The NMC is also exploring concessions for buildings that voluntarily implement rainwater harvesting systems.
The mayor instructed officials to ensure that all government buildings have functional rainwater harvesting systems before the arrival of the monsoon.
NMC officials noted that residential and commercial properties with inactive rainwater harvesting systems might face hefty fines. Conversely, residents who install these systems could receive property tax incentives.
A similar inspection initiative was conducted in late 2019, identifying over 60 buildings with non-functioning systems, which faced fines of Rs 1,000 each. This effort was paused for over two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the conclusion of the civic body’s five-year term in March 2022. Since then, the municipal corporation has been under administrative controls.
With the reinstatement of public representatives, there is renewed attention on environmental issues, water conservation, and groundwater recharge via rainwater harvesting.
Environmental activist Rajesh Pandit highlighted the critical need for improved groundwater levels through effective rainwater harvesting practices. He noted, “Despite substantial rainfall last year, the municipal body had to deploy water tankers across the city, underscoring the necessity of utilizing rainwater harvesting systems to replenish groundwater.”
