Water Resources in Punjab are becoming scanty. Out of 138 blocks, 108 blocks have become dark zones where the underground water has been extracted at a very large scale.The water level in Punjab has gone down to such an extent that even modern water extracting motors are unable to pick up water. To avenge of it ,the submersible pumps has been introduced. If the water level goes on decreasing like this one day will come when it will come become difficult even to the submersible pumps to extract water. There heavy discharge of ground water according to govt reports, In 1970-71, 1.92 lakhs tube wells were there in Punjab Overall. But in 2001-02, the counting has raised to 9.50 lakhs. this is the main reason of lowering water level. 2nd there is Negligibal RECHARGE of Rain water, it can be posible only through RAIN WATER HARVESTING STRUTURE.

What is Roof Top Rain Water Harvesting

Rooftop Rain Water Harvesting is the technique through which rain water is captured from the roof catchments and stored in reservoirs. It is the accumulation and storing of rain water for reuse before it reaches the aquifer. Harvested rain water can be stored in sub-surface ground water reservoir by adopting artificial recharge techniques to meet the household needs through storage in tanks. It has been used to provide drinking water, water for livestock, water for irrigation as well as for other typical uses.

Need for Rooftop Rain Water Harvesting

1. To meet the ever increasing demand for water
2. To reduce the runoff which chokes storm drains
3. To avoid flooding of roads
4. To augment the ground water storage and control decline of water levels
5. To reduce ground water pollution
6. To improve the quality of ground water
7. To reduce the soil erosion
8. To supplement domestic water requirement during summer, drought etc.

Advantages of Rain Water Harvesting

1.       Provides self-sufficiency to your water supply

2.       Provides high quality water, soft and low in minerals

3.       Improves the quality of ground water through dilution when recharged to ground water

4.     Reduces soil erosion, flood hazards and mitigate effects of drought.

5.       The rooftop rain water harvesting is less expensive

6.       Rainwater harvesting systems are simple which can be adopted by individuals

7.       Rooftop rain water harvesting systems are easy to construct, operate and maintain

8.       No land is wasted for storage purpose and no population displacement is involved. 

9.     Storing water in ground is environment friendly.

10.    Ground water is not directly exposed to evaporation and pollution.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

The states which implemented rainwater harvesting successfully…..

Indore (Madhya Pradesh)

• Rainwater harvesting has been made mandatory in all new buildings with an area of 250 sq m or more.

A rebate of 6 per cent on property tax has been offered as an incentive for implementing

Tamil Nadu

Through an ordinance titled ‘Tamilnadu Municipal Laws ordinance, 2003’, dated July 19, 2003, the government of Tamil Nadu has made rainwater harvesting mandatory for all the buildings, both public and private, in the state. The deadline to construct rainwater harvesting structures is August 31, 2003. The ordinance cautions, "Where the rain water harvesting structure is not provided as required, the Commissioner or any person authorized by him in this behalf may, after giving notice to the owner or occupier of the building, cause rain water harvesting structure to be provided in such building and recover the cost of such provision along with the incidental expense thereof in the same manner as property tax". It also warns the citizens on disconnection of water supply connection provided rainwater harvesting structures are not provided.

Bangalore

• In order to conserve water and ensure ground water recharge, the Karnataka government in February 2009 announced that buildings, constructed in the city will have to compulsorily adopt rain water harvesting facility. Residential sites, which exceed an area of 2400 sq ft (40 x 60 ft), shall create rain harvesting facility according to the new law.

Port Blair

• In 2007, Port Blair Municipal Council (PBMC) directed all the persons related to construction work to provide a proper spout or tank for the collection of rain water to be utilized for various domestic purposes other than drinking. As per the existing building by-laws 1999 the slab or roof of the building would have to be provided with a proper spout or gutter for collection of rain water, which would be beneficial for the residents of the municipal area during water crisis. The PBMC had advised all the owners of buildings in the Municipal area to comply with the provisions within four months failing which action would be taken against them by the Council.

 SO it can also be implemented in punjab so we apeal the CM of Punjab to implement the law in all the municipal areas of punjab...more detail see the letter..attached

            Catch every drop of  rain water & conserve it for future Generation