Water is among the most essential elements for human existence. Predictions are being made globally that in future water scarcity would lead to wars. The United Nations has directed all countries to take appropriate steps.
The Central Government has taken a few mandatory steps and is implementing the same through local governments. Most of the municipal corporations of India have been taking grants from Central and state governments under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission project to initiate many developmental projects related to urban development, infrastructure development, water, sanitation etc. There are many mandatory terms and conditions to avail the funds and one such clause is to implement reuse of grey water.
"It was on Wednesday November 18, 2009 we had brought the resolution of implementing grey water reuse in front of the general body. Unfortunately it has been kept on hold. We hope it will be passed in the forthcoming meet," says DG Kulkarni, Town Planner, NMMC.
Being more specific he informs, "Reuse of water will be strictly for non-potable purposes. A distinctly separate reuse system control in green will be provided. The non-contact uses shall be restricted to toilet flushing, drip irrigation of trees/shrubs, sub-surface irrigation of lawns, ground water re-charge and floor/street washing".
"Every developer/builder will provide the newly constructed building with the provision of separate down take plumbing for grey water, recycling water plant, storage and reuse fittings before selling the building. While every existing building/residential structure will provide with the provision of recycled water plant and relevant adequate separate plumbing for grey water and reuse fittings".
Kulkarni further adds, "The recycled water will be measured by means of flow meter/water meter before storing the same in the storage tank. The meter will be sealed by the NMMC and accordingly meter reading will be read by the later on monthly basis. If the recycled quantity of water is observed to be more than 25 per cent of the total quantity received by the structure or residential building, then the building/structure will be eligible for 25 per cent rebate in water taxes and sewerage taxes on reducing their potable water consumption by 25 per cent".
Any person found violating the byelaws or failing to operate shall be fined, he says. Surprisingly, none of the builders and developers in the city is aware of any of such proposal by the corporation.
An observer says, "It is indeed a good step taken by the corporation but when it's the question of a city, such a step calls for an open discussion and accordingly formulating a policy. The proposal should also include rainwater harvesting as a mandatory byelaw."
This will be applicable for proposed/ intending/ under redevelopment housing/
commercial/ other premises, which falls in one of the following categories:
o Plot area more than 2500 square metre.
o Water quota more than 60,000 litres per day
o Premises having more than 80 dwelling units of any kind.
—Jaspal Singh Naol
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