Capital begins massive rainwater harvesting push before monsoon
The Delhi Jal Board has launched a large-scale rainwater harvesting campaign ahead of the monsoon, with plans to build 500 new recharge structures and restore 1,000 non-functional systems across Government buildings in the Capital. The initiative is aimed at strengthening groundwater reserves and improving long-term water security in the city.
Officials said the first phase of the programme will cover buildings belonging to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Public Works Department, Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board, Directorate of Education and several other Government agencies. Work is expected to begin in June and conclude before the end of the month.
The Delhi Jal Board, which is the nodal agency for rainwater harvesting in the city, said tenders are being issued immediately and work orders will be released in the first week of June. All projects under Phase I are targeted for completion by June 30.
The move comes at a time when Delhi continues to face falling groundwater levels in several areas and rising pressure on water resources during summer months. Officials said the upcoming monsoon provides a critical opportunity to capture rainwater and channel it back into the ground instead of allowing it to flow into drains.
According to official figures, around 7,596 of Delhi’s 9,148 Government buildings already have rainwater harvesting systems. However, many of these structures have stopped functioning due to poor maintenance and lack of regular monitoring.
The new campaign will focus heavily on reviving these dormant systems so they can be made operational before the rains arrive.
The Delhi Jal Board estimates that the project could help recharge nearly 733 million litres of water every year. Officials said this estimate is based on rooftop coverage under the programme and the city’s average annual rainfall. The expected recharge volume is equivalent to more than 73 crore litres of water annually.
Rainwater harvesting has been mandatory in Delhi for plots measuring 100 square metres and above since 2001. Despite this, authorities admit that enforcement and maintenance have remained weak over the years, limiting the effectiveness of many installations.
To improve monitoring and implementation, the Jal Board is also developing an online portal dedicated to rainwater harvesting. The platform will track the installation and functioning of systems across Delhi and provide compliance-related information. Authorities said the portal will help departments monitor progress in real time and ensure accountability.
Officials added that 59 service providers have already been empanelled for the installation, maintenance and promotion of rainwater harvesting systems across the National Capital Territory. Delhi Water Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh described the campaign as a major step towards sustainable water management. He said water conservation cannot remain a seasonal exercise and must become a continuous public effort.
The minister said every drop of rainwater reaching Delhi should be conserved and returned to the ground instead of being wasted. He added that the initiative is not limited to constructing new infrastructure but also focuses on restoring systems that already exist in Government buildings.
He said Government institutions must lead by example in promoting water conservation and sustainable practices. According to the minister, the monsoon season presents an important opportunity to recharge groundwater reserves, and the Government intends to use it effectively.
