Hyderabad:

The Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB) will follow in the footsteps of Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) and construct rainwater harvesting (RWH) structures in its jurisdiction. Though the RWH structures should have been in place before the arrival of monsoon, the SCB officials claim it is never too late to start a good initiative.

“We have experienced severe water crisis this summer. The HMWS&SB could not supply the assured quantity of water to us. Adding to the problem, groundwater in the Cantonment area also got depleted. Of 200 borewells in the Cantonment area, 150 have dried up completely,” an SCB water works official told TOI.

“In view of the recent experience, we felt the need for construction of rainwater harvesting structures. Initially, we will educate and encourage citizens to construct RWH structures by distributing pamphlets containing information on how to build them,” the official added.

Initially, the SCB would spread awareness about the concept in 100 residential colonies in Mahendra Hills, Trimulgherry, Bowenpally, Bolarum and Marredpally. “We will give technical assistance to construct RWHs. The residential association has to bear all the expenditure for construction of RHW on their premises,” added.

A proposal would also be moved to make RWH structures mandatory either at the time of new water connection or sanctioning building plan. The proposal would be tabled before the next Cantonment Board meeting to be held shortly, the official said.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> City> Hyderabad / TNN / July 11th, 2012