Pune Metro is state’s first major project to include RWH system

The state government has been promoting RWH in an effort to replenish groundwater levels, which have been depleting at a worrying rate across the state, including in Pune.

While the government has already made RWH compulsory for new construction projects, the policy’s implementation on the ground remains sketchy.

The Pune Metro all set to be become the first major infrastructure project in Maharashtra to incorporate Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) systems in its stations and along its route.

The state government has been promoting RWH in an effort to replenish groundwater levels, which have been depleting at a worrying rate across the state, including in Pune. While the government has already made RWH compulsory for new construction projects, the policy’s implementation on the ground remains sketchy.

The Groundwater Survey and Development Authority (GSDA) will provide the necessary technical guidance and help MahaMetro install RWH systems along the Vanaz to Ramwadi and Pimpri-Chinchwad to Shivajinagar routes. RWH structures will be set up in the stations and some of the pillars on the Metro route. The rainwater collected in them will be stored and released later, to recharge groundwater levels.

The average rainfall received along the route, as well as the condition of the groundwater table, has been taken into consideration of the project. GSDA’s survey had shown the minimum dept of dug well to be 15-20 m and that or bore well 60 m. The groundwater table, surveys have said it was amenable for recharge. The recharge process GSDA scientists say will help in improving the quality of the groundwater in areas where it has deteriorated.

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