PUNE: The count of property owners availing tax discounts for implementing rainwater harvesting has surged nearly ten times over the past decade. However, overall adoption of rainwater harvesting practices remains less.
According to civic data, only 306 properties availed tax benefits (just for rainwater harvesting) in 2012-2013. The number rose to 3,716 in 2022-2023.
The municipal administration has declared a tax rebate of up to 10% for installation of rainwater harvesting, solar, and vermicomposting units. The response to installing vermicomposting and solar units has been significantly higher as compared to rainwater harvesting.
Properties that received tax discount for all three categories in 2012 -2013 were 23,173. They number went up to 1,11,213 in 2022-2023.
Water conservation and rainwater harvesting in Pune was discussed in the state assembly’s monsoon session after local MLAs raised the water scarcity problem.
Deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, while replying to queries, said, “New constructions should make sure that they install rainwater harvesting system. PMC should scrutinise rainwater harvesting policy.”
PMC’s environment officer Mangesh Dighe said that the civic administration has urged citizens to use rainwater harvesting system. “It will not only help store rainwater, but also recharge groundwater,” he added.
In 2006, the civic body made it mandatory for all new building permissions to install rainwater harvesting system and promoted it through various mediums, including social media. The administration has installed this system in many properties, including PMC’s headquarters in Shivajinagar, civic schools, ward offices, civic hospitals.
As per PMC data, 12.5 lakh properties in civic areas are liable to pay property tax. Around 2 lakh private bungalows and individual properties have potential to install these units. The number can go up to around 3 lakh, if properties in newly merged 34 areas are added. PMC gives 1,500 to 2,500 building permissions per year on an average. Permissions are given for new buildings as well as redevelopment projects.
The civic body has issued guidelines for commercial establishments, food joints and educational institutions for water conservation. The administration has stated that these establishments should focus on recycling of water and reduce water wastage. “Necessary steps for rainwater harvesting should be undertaken. These establishments should also take measures for repairs of water tanks and water taps,” said Nandkishor Jagtap, head of PMC’s water supply department.
Besides PMC, Maha Metro has taken steps to implement rainwater harvesting. Hemant Sonawane, executive director, Maha Metro, said that rainwater harvesting has been installed at all elevated Metro stations and at Metro’s viaduct. Similar steps will be implemented at Metro’s depots and in administrative offices, he said.
Col (retd) Shashikant Dalvi, who works on rainwater harvesting projects, said water crisis is increasing across the country. “We are unable to tap the potential of rainwater, especially rooftop rainwater. We must use this freely available gift of nature to raise the rapidly depleting groundwater table and resolve water crisis,” he said.
