Abhinav RajputNew Delhi: Delhi govt has stepped up enforcement of rainwater harvesting norms, making annual affidavits mandatory for property owners to certify that the installed systems are functional.Rainwater harvesting is mandatory in Delhi for all residential, commercial and institutional plots and buildings with an area of 100 square metres or more.The move is aimed at tightening compliance as the city prepares for the summer water shortage and the monsoon.Announcing the decision, water minister Parvesh Verma said the failure to submit the affidavit or maintain operational systems will lead to the withdrawal of incentives and support from Delhi Jal Board (DJB).
Properties that do not comply may also face inspections and action.“Rainwater harvesting in govt establishments must be implemented in a serious and time-bound manner. Failure to comply will invite strict action, an initial 10% water cut will be imposed, and if lapses continue, the connection will be disconnected. This is about accountability and our collective duty to secure the city’s water future,” the minister said.
Officials said DJB offers financial support of up to 50% of the installation cost, capped at Rs 50,000, along with a 10% rebate on water bills for functional systems. These benefits will now be linked to compliance. “There was a rule but no effective monitoring. That will change with verification and accountability,” Verma said.In a parallel directive, govt establishments have been asked to implement rainwater harvesting systems in a time-bound manner.
Non-compliance will invite strict penalties, beginning with a 10% cut and potentially leading to disconnection of water supply if lapses continue.The announcements came after a meeting chaired by the minister at the secretariat, attended by officials from over 60 departments of Delhi govt and central agencies. The meeting marked a renewed push to align policy implementation with the Centre’s campaign, called Catch the Rain, Where It Falls, When It Falls.Verma said that despite receiving adequate rainfall during the monsoon, Delhi has failed to conserve water effectively. “For nearly four months, rainwater flows into drains and goes to waste. If captured and channelled into the ground, it can significantly recharge groundwater and reduce summer scarcity,” he said.Departments have been given targets to ensure that all govt buildings, parks, residential colonies and institutional campuses install or repair rainwater harvesting systems before the monsoon.
Authorities will focus on group housing societies and large institutional areas, where the potential for groundwater recharge is high.Public outreach will be expanded through Jal Shakti Kendras to raise awareness about installation and benefits, said a senior official.Those seeking exemption will have to submit an application to the RWH Cell with documents (ownership proof, Aadhaar, approved map, plot/roof area, groundwater details).Maintenance wing will verify post-monsoon groundwater level; applicant must assist. No applications accepted from 1 July to 30 September (monsoon period), said another official.
