CHENNAI: Chennai Metro Water has started an awareness campaign on the installation and maintenance of rainwater harvesting (RWH) structures so that the city can have adequate groundwater that can be tapped in times of scarcity.
The scheme of installing RWH structures in all types of buildings, pioneered by Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in 2003, has been successful as the groundwater level in the city has increased.
Metro Water sources decided to have the awareness campaign before the onset of monsoon so that the rainwater could be stored adequately. “We have requested the residents of Chennai to look into the maintenance of the RWH structures before the onset of South-West and North-East monsoons. The sand / pebbles / blue metals in the filter chamber are to be removed, cleaned with water and refilled with blue metal at the bottom, pebbles in the middle and sand on the top. In addition to that, rain water pipes connecting the RWH structures have to be made free of blocks or cracks so as to avoid overflow and leakages,” said a Metro Water spokesman. He said that the residents were advised to contact the area offices or depot offices of Metro Water for proper guidance on installation and maintenance of RWH structures. He said the officials of Metro Water would inspect the houses or buildings to assess the conditions of RWH structures.
He said that the people were requested to maintain the RWH structures properly for effective recharge of rain water and thereby improve the water table and its quality in the city. This would benefit people during periods of drought or water scarcity
For details about the maintenance of Rain Water Harvesting structures, residents may contact the Rain Water Harvesting Cell of Metro Water Board (044-28454080) or visit website: www.chennaimetrowater.tn.nic.in