Compulsory Roof Top Rainwater Harvesting in Tamil Nadu

In recent years, the issue of water scarcity has become a major concern in India. To address this issue, various measures have been taken by state governments, including the implementation of compulsory roof top rainwater harvesting structures in houses. Tamil Nadu is one such state that has made it mandatory for all houses across the state to install roof top rainwater harvesting structures.

Reasons for Compulsory Roof Top Rainwater Harvesting in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu has been facing acute water shortage due to erratic monsoons and depleting groundwater levels. The government of Tamil Nadu realized that the only way to ensure a sustainable supply of water was to harvest rainwater. Hence, in 2003, the Tamil Nadu government made it mandatory for all houses in the state to have roof top rainwater harvesting structures.

Benefits of Roof Top Rainwater Harvesting

There are numerous benefits of roof top rainwater harvesting. Some of these benefits include:

1. Conserving water: Rainwater harvesting helps in conserving water, which is a scarce resource in Tamil Nadu.

2. Recharging groundwater: The rainwater collected through roof top rainwater harvesting structures recharges the groundwater, which is essential for agriculture, drinking water, and other purposes.

3. Reducing soil erosion: Rainwater harvesting reduces soil erosion by slowing down the flow of rainwater and allowing it to seep into the soil.

4. Cost-effective: Roof top rainwater harvesting is a cost-effective method of water conservation as it requires minimal investment and maintenance.

Conclusion

The implementation of compulsory roof top rainwater harvesting structures in Tamil Nadu has been successful in conserving water and recharging groundwater. It is a model that other states can follow to address the issue of water scarcity.

Tamil Nadu is the first state in India which has made rooftop rainwater harvesting structure compulsory to all the houses across the state. There are legal provisions to punish the defaulters.