Scarce water: Jharkhand plans rain water harvesting

Ranchi, June 28 : With ground water levels sinking and many parts of the state having been declared drought affected, Jharkhand is seriously thinking of ways to save water, including making rain water harvesting mandatory for high-rise buildings.

Taking the lead is state capital Ranchi. Deputy Mayor Ajaynath Sahdeo has launched a campaign in the city to spread awareness about the benefits of rain water harvesting.

'The RMC (Ranchi Muncipal Corporation) has started a campaign to promote rain water harvesting. High-rise buildings constructed on more than 3,000 sq ft should start water harvesting. The RMC will make water harvesting mandatory in big buildings, schools, colleges and other important places. Rain water harvesting is an easy method and we should preserve rain water.'

The main source of water supply for Ranchi are three dams - Kake, Hatia and Rukka.

The water levels of the dams have also been at an unprecedented low of nearly three to seven metres below normal this summer. Few years ago, the summer levels would be just one to three metres below the average.

In Ranchi, there were nearly a dozen small and big ponds. But a majority of them have been encroached upon for construction.

'Extensive deforestation, urbanization and industrialisation has led to uneven spread of rainfall which has affected the ground water table,' said D.K. Rusia, deputy director and professor of water management in Birsa Agriculture University here.

'Earlier, Jharkhand witnessed rainfall during winter which was a primary source of recharging ground water before the summers. The winter rainfall has seen a decline in the past few years,' he said.

According to experts, Jharkhand, particularly Ranchi, receives sufficient rainfall - between 800 mm and 1,200 mm - every year to cater to its needs, but is not able to conserve the water.

Many parts of the state, which fall under the rain shadow zone, have been declared drought-affected for six successive years.

'We are only sucking water and adding nothing to recharge the ground water. Jharkhand is one the best suited place in India where rain water harvesting could be promoted,' Rusia said.

--IANS