Rain water harvesting for ground water recharge

(1) To improve the ground water situation, the Authority may identify the recharge worthy areas in the State and issue necessary guidelines for adoption of rain water harvesting for ground water recharge in these areas. In rural areas, watershed management to facilitate ground water recharge may be encouraged through community participation. The Authority may give appropriate directions to the concerned departments of the State Government to include rain water harvesting in all developmental schemes falling under notified areas. The Authority may issue directives for constructing appropriate rain water harvesting structures in all residential, commercial and other premises having an area of 100 Sq.m. or more in the manner prescribed within a stipulated period, failing which the Authority may get such rain water harvesting structure constructed and recover the cost incurred along with penalty as may be prescribed. (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in the relevant laws, the Municipal Corporation or any other local Authority as the case may be, may impose stipulated conditions for providing roof top rain water harvesting structures in the building plan in an area of 100 Sq.mt. or more, while according approval for construction, and permanent water and electricity connections shall be extended only after compliance of the directions given in this regard. (3) The Authority shall take steps for promotion of Mass Awareness Training Programmes on Rain Water Harvesting, scientific groundwater research and artificial recharge to groundwater for sustainable groundwater resources through Government Agencies/Non-Government Organizations (NGOs)/Volunteer Organizations (VOs)/Academic and Educational Institutions / Industries / Individuals.