Mumbai: BMC to set up rainwater harvesting systems at five civic properties in Mulund, Ghatkopar

Representation pic/istock

The BMC plans to set up rainwater harvesting systems at five municipal properties in Mulund and Ghatkopar as a pilot project to capture rainwater and enhance groundwater recharge. The project has been planned under the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) initiative, which promotes artificial groundwater recharge and rainwater harvesting. The civic body has selected the eastern suburbs for the pilot because of the availability of space, with the systems planned on municipal properties.

What the project will do

The proposed systems will involve new borewells at selected locations to capture rainwater and facilitate groundwater recharge during the monsoon.

The stated aims are:
>> Collect and store rainwater for later use
>> Enhance groundwater recharge in the area
>> Promote sustainable water-management practices
>> Support water-conservation efforts

Another BMC rainwater project

Hindmata, Dadar
The BMC has constructed an underground water-holding tank at Hindmata to tackle waterlogging in the low-lying area.

Capacity: 30 million litres

The collected water is pumped into the sea.

BMC speaks

Senior civic official,
‘On a pilot basis, areas have been selected in the eastern suburbs due to availability of space. At a later date, BMC can explore other municipal properties where such systems can be implemented'

Why these five sites?

Location: Eastern suburbs
Areas: Mulund and Ghatkopar
Reason given by BMC: Availability of space
Status: Pilot project
The civic body says it can consider other municipal properties for similar systems at a later stage.

Five sites, one pilot

Location Catchment area
T ward office building 2250 sq m
Fire station, Mulund West 1026 sq m
Fire station, Mulund East 1204 sq m
S ward office building 659 sq m
BMC Public School No 3,
Ghatkopar East 917 sq m

Total catchment area: 6056 sq m