RAIN WATER HARVESTING STRUCTURE

Till about thirty years back, the areas around our homes and offices used to be unpaved and the rain falling on these areas would percolate into the soil and remain there for being drawn through shallow open wells. With the proliferation of flat complexes, not only have these areas been paved and percolation of rainwater into the soil almost totally stopped, the quantity of water drawn from the soil below has increased manifold. Consequently open wells and not - so - deep bore wells started drying up. The reason is that no sincere attempt is made to replenish the ground water table with rainwater during the monsoon.

As individuals, groups and communities, let us all wake up before it is too late and not only understand what rainwater harvesting is all about but also implement measures to harvest rainwater in our houses and flat complexes and put it into the soil for our subsequent use.

Frequently Asked Questions on Rain Water Harvesting

1. What is Rain water Harvesting ?

Rain water is the ultimate source of fresh water. The activity of collecting rainwater directly or recharging into the ground to improve ground water storage in the quiver is called as Rain Water Harvesting.

2. Why Rain Water be Harvested ?

Rain water is to be harvested to conserve and augment the storage of ground water, to reduce water table depletion, to improve the quality of ground water, and to arrest sea water intrusion in coastal areas.

3. How Rain Water be harvested ?

For recharging ground water, rainwater may be harvested by two ways, Rain water that falls on the terrace of the buildings and in the open spaces around the buildings.

Traditional water Harvesting methods.

Similar to recharge pit but longitudinal in shape Size : 0.5 - 1 m wide 1 - 1.5 m depth. Length may vary from 1.0 - 5.0 km Filled with broken bricks /pebbles Suitable for sandy sub-soil area.

RECHARGE TRENCH WITH BORE METHOD

Along the recharge trench boreholes has to be drilled Borehole interval 10 -15 feet Suitable for clay area.


NOTE:
i. Above structures are meant for area with large catchment like apartments / big complexes.
ii. RCC slab cover is optional.
iii. Top (1") portion may be filled with sand.

2.Bore well with settlement tank method

Roof top rain water may also be diverted to a borewell. Settlement / filter tank of required size has to be provided. Overflow water may be diverted to a percolation pit nearby. The rate of recharge through borewell is less effective than open wells. Defunct borewells may also be used.

3.Open well method

Rainwater from the terrace is diverted to the existing open well using PVC pipes through a filter chamber. The minimum size of the filter chamber is 2" x 2" x 2" filled with broken bricks in the bottom and sand on the top. The chamber may be covered with RCC slab.

Constructed in the open space at required intervals. Size " 1m x 1m x 1.5m (depth) Filled with broken bricks / pebbles Suitable for sandy sub - soil area One unit for 300 sq.ft area (approx.)

PERCOLATION PIT WITH BORE METHOD
A borehole to be drilled at the bottom of the percolation pit. Bore hole size : 150 - 300 mm dia with 10 –15M depth (approx.) Filled with broken bricks. Suitable for clay area.

Following field tested IEC (Information, Education and Communication) methods were implemented to create awareness among the people of Rain Water Harvesting.

* Sensitization Meetings, Seminars, Workshops.
* Information Centres, Models, Folk arts.
* House to house visits & exposure visits.
* Informative pamphlets & Booklets, Mini exhibitions.
* Posters, Handbills, Wall Writings, Questionnaires.
* Small groups meetings, Demonstrations.
* Street corner propaganda, Cycle rallies.
* Video & Cable TV, Public address system.
* Appeal in news papers & through personal letters.

IMPORTING NOBLE IDEAS TO STUDENTS

Sensitized the teaching community, students and their parents on the importance of harvesting. All schools, colleges, polytechnics, ITI were involved in the campaign. Organised rallies, Essay writings, discussions and demonstrations with the involvement of Eco clubs. Students were made to involve in creation of structures. Participation of local community, parents-teachers associations (PTA) and contribution of school management were ensured.

Rain Water Harvesting in Kanyakumari District

                The District Administration of Kanniyakumari has taken up the concept of Rain Water Harvesting on its top most priority agenda in tune with  directives in this regard by the Hon’ble Chief Minister..  In order to promote the concept of Rain Water Harvesting, the district administration has been working at three stages.  In the first stage, the public awareness is being generated in order to popularize the concept of Rain Water Harvesting among the Common manner.  In the second stage the technical officials and Engineers are being trained regarding various method of Rain Water Harvesting.  In the third stage, all the officials of Government Departments and local bodies including the elected representatives are to implement the Rain Water Harvesting in all the Government, Public and Private buildings.

MODEL PHOTOGRAPHS