Delhi HC: Focus on rainwater harvesting for climate resilient planning

NEW DELHI: In view of the unprecedented rain witnessed by the capital city in the past year, Delhi High Court has stressed the importance of rainwater harvesting systems in the city’s climate resilient planning. 

A division bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Sanjeev Narula also highlighted the importance of devising innovative strategies and continuous efforts to promote rainwater harvesting. Bench observed, “A persistent focus on educating the public and resident welfare associations about the advantages of rainwater harvesting, coupled with practical implementation guidance, can catalyse a cultural shift towards sustainable water practices.”

The court called out the Delhi government and local authorities, including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), asking them to monitor the progress of rainwater harvesting initiatives to ascertain the effectiveness of these measures and take corrective measures wherever necessary.

Court was hearing a petition filed by Advocate RK Kapoor in 2014 regarding water conservation with the help of rainwater harvesting initiatives. Court praised the advocate for bringing the matter to light and seconded the petitioner’s view by highlighting the vitality of water conservation in our ever-changing urban landscape.

There needs to be a holistic water conservation approach focused on harnessing the rainwater harvesting systems, streamlining sewer drainage and water storage systems aimed at effective rainwater utilisation irrespective of the changing rain patterns.

Collaborative efforts of the authorities, including the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) and Delhi Government, to install rainwater harvesting systems in both private and public structures, rejuvenate water bodies in the union territory and framing guidelines for the artificial groundwater recharge structures garnered praises from the court.