BeMC to build 2k structures to aid rainwater harvesting

Berhampur: The

Berhampur Municipal Corporation

(BeMC) has decided to construct 2,000 rainwater harvesting structures in the city during the current financial year.The structures will either be constructed in open space or on rooftops under the state government-sponsored Mukhyamantri Karma

Tatpara Abhiyan

(MUKTA) and help create ecologically sustainable and climate-resilient community assets.“We have set a target to set up 50 rainwater harvesting structures in each ward this year under the scheme,” said

Siddheshwar Baliram Bondare

, commissioner, BeMC. The BeMC has 42 wards. The project will be implemented with the support of corporators of the BeMC and Mission Shakti groups, he saidHe said the civic body requested the corporators to identify the open spaces for establishment of the rainwater structures or to motivate people to set up rooftop rainwater harvesting structures in their respective areas. The minimum cost of each structure will be Rs 24,000 and would increase depending upon the size, said the commissioner.The rainwater harvesting structures will help solve the problem of urban flooding during the rainy season and also help in groundwater recharge, said the commissioner. It will also ensure livelihood support to Mission Shakti groups within the corporation limits as they will construct the structures, said

Sanghamitra Dalia

, BeMC mayor.