Studies recommended for doing RWH, are these hinderences necessary ?

[Harjindarpal Singh]

Soil characteristic of the area ( cost escalation).

Vegetation cover

River basin area near the site.

Quality of runoff water.

Geology of the area ( cost escalation)

Hydrogeology of the area ( it should be up to the concerned authority to be well aquainted and should have related data ).

Ground water condition in weathered aquifer & underlying fractured zone( This data the concerened department should have)

Geophysical survey report.

As we are very much aware that every body is out to draw water but no body is interested in recharging, even those who go for it do it due to some pressures in such a scenario cost escalation and different hassles are detrimental to the very essence of water preservation . I welcome readers comments on this issue .

[Harjindarpal Singh]

In continuation to Mr. Ninad Bodhankar's views on the topic I fully agree with him but he is considering a whole town or specific region whereas my concern was limited to few acres of land on which an MSME unit is upcoming and in order to get an NOC he is compelled to do RWH in the absence of which he will be unable to start business and there are no special considerations even if his land is not suitable for ground recharging .I have a very good and personal experience which i would like to share with you all. An industry approached me for RWH, upon inspection I found that his borewell was overflowing from the top (artesian well ) which meant that ground water recharging was not feasible but he was reluctant to go for RWH due to the compulsion in getting an NOC for his project in which he had invested quite a lot.

[Ninad Bodhankar]

@ Bhavana: Yes, I do agree that the traditional water harvesting (TWH) methods (Lake/Pond) needs less technical expertise and can be done at all the levels. These TWH are also boon for storm-water run-off and accumulation. 

[Sanjaya Kumar Mishra]

Mr. Singh, you have raised genuine questions. At the first instance, our Authorities concerned are not rich with data, technique and many times appropriate know-hows. In case you follow their principles, you may fall in some other trap. However, it should be your own interest to generate site specific data and design befitting structures. Otherwise, whatever fund you invest, may go invane.

 

I won't agree to your statement that every body is out to withdraw water but not interested to recharge. This is a simple way we assume from our own perception. RWH is not a new invetion in India. It has been prevailing since historical past. It is true that as and when we, as a society, face problems with respect to sustainability; rules, acts, notifications have come in to place. And there is nothing wrong. The major problem is perception amongst common men and Authorities that leads to poor implementation.

[P Bhavna]

Sir,agreed that the hydro-geological factors do matter for RWH; how about accumulation of rainwater for tertiary usage. If the ground water recharge option becomes complicated for specific strata, atleast the rooftop rainwater collection can be simply done, maintaining gradient to recharge our lost 'talabs' or 'taals' ..only if the pioneer institutes and area experts nod for it and Government imposes the same.Finally, we all need a simple solution for the vast area and crores of population of India!

[Ninad Bodhankar]

@P Bhavana, This is the biggest challenge. The mad rush for RWH without giving an eye for the necessity makes the situation unbalanced. In my view, rainfall in any area lays a major role to ascertain promoting RWH. Example, in Chhattisgarh the average rainfall is 1200mm, spanning over 3 months. During this time, the groundwater level is 2m below ground level. Except for the northern and southern part of Chhattisgarh, which is mountaneous region; the central part is unsuitable for RWH as the groundwater gets replenished through rainfall.

Technological options are many, but we need to carry out region-wise benchmark studies pertaining to geology, groundwater levels for successful RWH.

At Raipur, the RWH structures have enhanced the e-Coli concentration to alarming level that they have to seal the borewells. And this has happened in the borewells of the residences of ministers in Shankar Nagar area. So, beware of the consequences.

@Shiv Kumar Lakhara: Thanks for remarks. I am still studying the mysterious nature of groundwater, for the last 25 years. I look forward to the youngsters to take the lead.

[P Bhavna]

If there is a basic database of region specific profiles, technological options and cost estimates with a specific authorized agency, ie., on standardizing region-wise RWH, bigger proponents with larger areas can always go ahead for detailed investigations, but small area-owners can go with replicas, avoiding cost escalation..As per a common man's perspective, such investigations deteriorate time and interest and is often termed as wastage of money...kindly suggest on that.

[Shiv Kumar Lakhara]

Yes, I agree with Ninad sir.

[Ninad Bodhankar]

Its really surprising for how can a technocrat can categorise soil and geological investigations for RWH project as cost escalating. These are the two major areas which determine the suitability of the location for recharge purpose. The ultimate aim of RWH is to augment recharge to groundwater where soil and rock formation plays a major role.

Apart from this, the major concern should be to have a reliable data of groundwater fluctuation, which will decide the volume of water that can be potentially recharged. The groundwater data (Well Hydrograph) will help us to understand whether RWH will be successful at the given site by studying the rainfall-recharge mechanism.

In my view, these are not hinderances but they help us to make the RWH structure successful.