BMC ropes in senior citizens to promote rainwater harvesting

To encourage rainwater harvesting, a workshop for senior citizens was held at the BMC headquarters Friday. The three-hour workshop was the first of many the civic body plans to organise to train 4,000 seniors in rainwater harvesting over the next two years. At the workshop, 55 seniors were told why rainwater harvesting was necessary and how to do it.

"Senior citizens are often considered liabilities, but they are in fact assets. Post retirement, many people want to give back to society. The programme was started keeping this in mind," said BJP corporator Vinod Shelar.

Shelar, who conceptualised the programme, said it was difficult for BMC to reach out to everyone in the city and seniors would spread the word.

BMC chief Sitaram Kunte, who was present at the launch, said, "Water is a scarce resource that needs to be conserved. Many places in the state are experiencing drought and drought-like situations.

"We believe experienced and skilled senior citizens will be an ideal medium to share the importance of water conservation with students and neighbours. We will impart necessary training and knowledge."

BMC ran an extensive campaign on rainwater harvesting last year with its officials going to residential societies to spread awareness. It also put up hoardings and printed booklets for schoolchildren explaining the process of harvesting rain.

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