IMC to enforce penalties amid severe groundwater depletion

Indore: Facing severe water crisis driven by declining groundwater table and reduced supply from the Narmada river, Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) has decided to launch a drive to penalize large commercial and residential structures that fail to operate functional rooftop rainwater harvesting systems.

While IMC claims that over 1 lakh structures have already installed rainwater harvesting systems in the last four years, the number covers only a fraction of the city’s estimated 8 lakh residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

Under Indore Municipal Corporation (Rainwater Harvesting) Bylaws, 2022, rainwater harvesting is mandatory for all existing and upcoming residential buildings with a footprint of at least 1,500 square feet, as well as all government and non-residential properties.

Municipal commissioner Kshitij Singhal told TOI that the corporation would target large commercial violators with a statutory baseline penalty of Rs 5,000. Current data indicates that more than 50% of the city’s 6,500 government-operated borewells have dried up, forcing the IMC to deploy a fleet of 79 municipal and 616 hired private tankers to maintain free water distribution.

The 2022 bylaws mandate specific technical dimensions based on structural footprints. Properties between 10,000 and 25,000 sq ft must install a harvesting pit with a 4-meter diameter and 15-meter depth while properties exceeding 25,000 sq ft require a minimum 6-meter diameter pit.

The regulations also prohibit channelling rainwater into municipal sewage system. Excess runoff must be directed into roadside storm drains. Violations incur a daily penalty of Rs 500, capped at a maximum of Rs 5,000.

IMC emphasized that groundwater table replenishment remains the only viable alternative to offset the city’s dependency on seasonal river pumping.

Pointers:

Rainwater Harvesting: Do’s & Don’ts

Recommended

Maintain roof cleanliness & clear debris regularly

Install a ‘first-flush’ system to divert initial contaminated runoff

Use concrete, galvanized iron, or food-grade plastics for tanks

Disinfect storage tanks using UV filtration prior to monsoon

Prohibited

Avoid collecting water from roofs with toxic paint or asbestos

Don’t permit initial or un-diverted runoff into main storage tank

Don’t leave filters, gutters, or tanks uncovered

Prevent contamination by keeping tanks isolated from septic lines