RWH is the new buzz word

Slowly but steadily, apartments in Sarjapur are waking up to the benefits of rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems. This year, more than 10 apartments have approached Forward 150 (Federation of Residents' Welfare Association of Ward 150-Bellandur) with queries regarding the installation of harvesting systems.
A few apartments such as Reliable Residency, Rainbow Drive, Reliable Tranquil, Trinity Woods and Acres, Vaswani in Kadubisanahalli, Sobha Iris, SJR Redwood and Crystal Olivin have already installed RWH systems.
The main purpose of rainwater harvesting is to store water for winter when there is no rain and lakes go dry and to recharge groundwater. There are various ways to design RWH systems, but people are unaware of it. Similar was the condition of residents of Sarjapur.
"People did not have the right inputs to go for installation of rainwater harvesting, that includes the design as well as the cost-effective ways," said Sudhakar Pai, a member of Forward 150.
The apartments in order to know the methods of installing and other queries related to the RWH had sent an e-mail to Forward 150 listing the problems they faced. The problems were related to piping requirement, bends, valves, joints, etc. "The main problem with the residents was how to use these things in a cost-effective and a constructive way," said Sudhakar.
The Forward 150 gave a cost-effective solution to the residents. "When people are building houses, we make sure they have provisions for rainwater harvesting. More than the beautification of the house we are concerned with the ground water recharge," said Abhik Biswas, president of Rainbow Residency Plot and House Owners Association.
The residents of various complexes are now taking the initiative to install RWH systems so that they do not spend  huge amounts on private water tankers. Those who are yet to install are understanding the importance of rainwater harvesting in their apartment complexes.
"By helping members of the ward we are trying to find a solution to the water woes in Sarjapur by recharging the ground water level in this area," said the member of Forward 150.
—Baishali Mishra