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Mr. Ajay Kale,
Director of Sunlight consultancy Pvt. Ltd. |
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What is the potential demand for RWH in Mumbai - say so many thousand buildings...
Now, BMC has reduced the water consumption per person from 90 to 135 litres per day. This is insufficient if BMC water is used for all purposes like flushing, car wash, gardening etc. Globally, the water consumption per person is 170 litres a day. BMC is targeting far less and it is insufficient. But, look at it from a rationale perspective. Each individual uses 15 litres of water for flushing each day for one time use. A family comprising of 4 members uses 60 litres of water daily for flushing on an average. Similarly, an average 4 storey building in Mumbai uses 15,000 litres of water per day. Hence, for non-drinking purposes like flushing, car wash, gardening etc rain water harvesting is the best alternative that will save potable water. Potable water is being wasted for other than drinking. We have done such projects at various places like Mira Road etc and people are happy.
How much water can be conserved because of RWH in Mumbai - in terms of volume
40,000- 50,000 litres can be conserved.
Do you think floods will be alleviated by RWH
Yes. Flood water can be routed to go under the ground. At present, water is being routed into the sea. Floods can be controlled if we can route it to under ground reservoirs through channels.
What are the laws related to RWH in Mumbai
Any new building that exceeds 1000 sq meter has to adopt rain water harvesting. However, there is no such a law for existing buildings.
What laws you would advice BMC to have
Make it mandatory for all buildings. For flushing, car wash, gardening etc rain water harvesting should be mandatory.
What is the volume of tanker water and from where do the tankers get water
Tankers are extracting from the bore well. In the summer season, they do it in excess. Soon, water tables will get depleted as there is extraction. The amount of water extracted should be compensated with an equal amount of water that is fed into these bore wells. It is 10, 000 litres per tanker.
How is BMC encouraging RWH
BMC has made new laws and changes as per the consumption of water per family. New charges will be applicable soon. An article published in the Times of India dated September 6th, 07 have the new charges as per the consumption. Also, BMC needs to have programs and awareness initiatives in order to communicate the message and also build the capacity of people. Disseminating information on the process is also important.
Is Mumbai behind other metros in implementing RWH
Yes. Delhi, Gujarat, Chennai have implemented it 4 yrs back. BMC has to stop allowing water usage for secondary purposes.
What are the typical problems of RWH in Mumbai
There are two problems. One in coastal areas since water is saline but it can be treated which is not very expensive. The second one is in hilly areas since storage is a problem.
Your quote on RWH and what is the designation we should mention in the article
You should not use hygienic water for flushing, gardening, car wash etc. 1 litre of mineral water costs Rs 12. For flushing, we are using 15 litres of water. People need to calculate and see how much amount of portable water if used for secondary purposes. BMC water is portable. Let’s use it in the right manner and for the right purpose
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Copyright India Water Portal.
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