Rainwater harvesting: Let gated communities, RWAs take the call first, says HYDRAA boss Ranganath

Hyderabad: HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath has called for an elaborate awareness campaign for rainwater harvesting and recharge pits.

He said once citizens understand the benefits, implementation becomes easier.

He cited HYDRAA’s earlier success in sensitising people about lake Full Tank Levels (FTLs) and buffer zones as an example of effective awareness campaigns.

Ranganath suggested that the programme could begin with gated communities, large institutions, and universities, before being extended across the city. He also called for Residents’ Welfare Associations (RWAs) to be actively involved in awareness drives.

Recharge pits for dual benefit

Speakers at the seminar on "Flood Prevention and Groundwater Recharge through Rainwater Pits” organised by HYDRAA stressed that rainwater harvesting pits not only help mitigate urban flooding during monsoons but also play a crucial role in recharging groundwater, thereby reducing summer water shortages.

Concrete jungle hampers natural recharge

Experts pointed out that excessive concretisation, rooftops above, and cemented roads below prevent natural seepage of rainwater. Currently, only 2% of rainfall percolates into the ground, while the rest inundates roads. Despite laws mandating recharge pits for housing permissions, enforcement has been poor, they observed.

Growing dependence on tankers

The Groundwater Department revealed that demand for private water tankers rose by 30% this summer compared to 2024, highlighting the urgency of sustainable solutions. Experts suggested digging pits near dried borewells to revive groundwater and urged people to shed misconceptions that such pits damage house structures.

Call for collective action

The seminar also saw the participation of scientists, environmentalists, GHMC officials, and NGOs. Participants agreed that collective awareness and community-level initiatives are vital to address Hyderabad’s looming water challenges.