Many Gurgaon housing societies lack functional rainwater harvesting pits, reveals GMDA inspection

In a meeting chaired on Thursday by Dhesi, it was noted that inspections of around 20 group housing societies – located on areas of 5 to 10 acres or more – showed widespread neglect of rainwater harvesting systems, a GMDA spokesperson said.

Dhesi instructed officials to compile a list of all group housing societies over 10 acres that have received Occupation Certificates (OC), to ensure accountability for maintaining functional pits.

An Occupation Certificate (OC) is a legal document issued by a local municipal authority that certifies a building is safe for habitation and complies with all safety regulations.

“The hydrologist was directed to share standard design specifications for rainwater harvesting pits to be adopted by all societies.DTP (District Town Planner) R S Batth was tasked with coordinating with contractors and agencies involved in the installation and maintenance of these systems, and compiling a list of agencies handling their upkeep,” the spokesperson added.

The agenda of the meeting focused on ensuring all rainwater harvesting pits are fully operational before the next monsoon, to enhance groundwater recharge and reduce waterlogging, as well as damage to master roads during heavy rainfall, officials said.

The inspections of rainwater harvesting pits in group housing societies in the city had commenced in early September.

After large parts of Gurgaon were inundated during this year’s heavy monsoon rain —causing severe disruption to daily life—civic officials have stressed the importance of completing pending maintenance work.

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