RAIN WATER HARVESTING

Chennai was, once upon a time, not in the distant past, a curse as far as the water problem was concerned. The initiatives taken by successive Governments were inadequate and not genuine.

But there happened one exception about 5 years ago. Rain Water Harvesting was the best thing that has happened to the city for a long time. The gentle firmness shown in the matter during the previous Government in really laudable. It was made compulsary for every house or building to implement rain water harvesting systems in their premises. Today, when Chennai is growing at a fast pace due to the IT revolution, it becomes all the more reason for real appreciation. The ground water table has considerably improved and water can be seen in the lakes and ponds around the city. It is a beautiful sight to see good amount of water in the Kapaleeshwarar temple pond. The water quality also seem to have improved. The roadside trees and plants are getting water and greenery is all around. More greenery probably brought more water in the form of rains, reduced traffic pollution and air fresh to breathe.
The water works were more than happy though it was not so for the water lorries.

But I wonder if there is any follow-up of the same nowadays. There is hardly any promotion of the concept with the public. The concerned authorities should continue the good work. We, the public, should make them implement this good activity. As individuals we must install RWH systems in our premises without fail. We must also look at options as to how the remaining ponds and lakes become filled with water. We must also not pollute the accumulated water with our waste. Let us safeguard what we have gained.