MBMC has no mechanism to monitor rain water harvesting systems in Mira Bhayandar
Bhayandar: Despite the state reeling under a severe drought, the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) is still not serious about water conservation to mitigate the crisis and prevent depleting ground water levels which has hit a dangerous low. This is evident from the fact that there is no active monitoring to ensure proper functioning of the (RWH) systems installed in the twin-city.
Aimed at recharging water resources, installation of RWH systems has been mandated for all constructions in the twin city of Mira Bhayandar since 2009. Those installing RWH system are eligible for a 5 per cent rebate on property tax from the civic body. However, the civic administration could not furnish the exact number of post 2009 projects that had installed the RWH system nor the number of beneficiaries who had availed rebate on property tax.
“Occupancy certificates are granted only after the installation of RWH systems for buildings. We make sure that the system is installed but due to staff crunch we do not have any mechanism to monitor the mechanism thereafter,” admitted an officer from the water supply department which shoulders the responsibility of ensuring proper installation of RWH systems. “We are into the process of deputing a team to survey and inspect all RWH units installed in the city and ensure that they become operational before the onset of monsoons,” the official assured.
As per statistics, the total number of water connections in the twin-city stands at 33,681 which comprises 30,919 residential and 2,762 commercial users. Due to absence of a proper maintenance, most of the units installed to harvest rainwater are dilapidated, rusty and crying for repairs.
