Pune: Ranjangaon Industry Association Discusses Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting on World Environment Day

On June 5, 2024, Pune based Retd Col Shashikant Dalvi was invited by the Ranjangaon Industry Association (RIA) to speak on the topic of Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting in celebration of World Environment Day. After the event, which included the planting of 1,000 trees, speakers provided excellent information on various environmental topics.

Dalvi is Rain Water Harvesting Expert and has helped many housing societies undertake Rain Water Harvesting Practices successfully since early 2000. 

About the meeting, Dalvi said, “Following my talk on rainwater harvesting, a Q&A session was held where industry officers present asked me about the MIDC Rainwater Harvesting Policy. Fortunately, an MIDC official was present at the event and provided the following information:
1. It is mandatory for all industries within MIDC to implement rainwater harvesting.
2. However, the use of borewells and recharge pits is prohibited.
3. Water required for industrial processes must be purchased from MIDC.
4. Industrial units process and reuse water generated from their operations for gardening, plant maintenance, and other uses.”

According to state government regulations, all government buildings, public buildings, educational institutions, religious buildings, and housing societies are required to implement Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting. Properties that undertake these initiatives receive a 5% discount on property tax.

The MIDC network spans 289 locations over more than 66,000 hectares, significantly contributing to the state’s economic development. However, in recent years, increased population and decreasing tree cover have led to excessive groundwater usage, causing a decline in groundwater levels. It is recommended that MIDC permits the use of borewells to replenish groundwater and allows the use of harvested rainwater for industrial processes. This will help increase groundwater levels across the state.

It is crucial for RIA to facilitate detailed discussions on this topic with MIDC representatives and industry stakeholders. The disruption of natural weather cycles due to global warming and the increasing pollution and depletion of groundwater require proactive steps from corporations like MIDC.

Attention from citizens, community members, and media outlets on this issue is essential.