No takers for rain water harvesting scheme
PANJIM: With Goa receiving over 100 inches of rain each year, it is the most
conducive regions for rain water harvesting, but ironically the government
scheme is a total washout with no takers for nearly Rs 75 lakh outlay over
the last three years.
The scheme which was effective since 2009 has actually had no takers for two
years wherein an amount of Rs 25 lakh each for 2009- 10 and 2010- 11 had to
be returned to the state coffers due to non utilisation.
Interestingly in 2011- 12, the outlay was doubled from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 50
lakh but then too only an amount of Rs 50,000 was disbursed.
While for 2012- 13, the scheme which continues to have an outlay of Rs 50
lakh has till date no takers.
Chief Engineer of the WRD, S T Nadkarni said, “ It is a fact that the rain
water harvesting scheme has met with no response.” According to Nadkarni
there was need for mandatory enforcement of provisions under the building
rules for residential and commercial units to have systems in place for rain
water harvesting.
The scheme in the present form provides financial assistance for rain water
harvesting systems for residential complexes, commercial units and
industries which provides 50 per cost of the costs or Rs 2.5 lakh.
“ We have industries that have rain water harvesting systems but they have
done it with their own investments,” explained Nadkarni.
The Chief Engineer said, “ We are sending reminders to the TCP and municipal
administration to amend their rules to make rain water harvesting
compulsory.” “ We get good rain and people need to realise the importance
and save this water,” he explained.
http://www.epaperoheraldo.in/Details.aspx?id=6397&boxid=22658656&uid=&dat=10%2f12%2f2012
Goanet News Service
[email protected]
