In view of the depleting groundwater level, the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has yet again attempted to make the citizens aware of the benefits of rainwater harvesting.

To this effect, the VMC has issued a notification whereby any upcoming construction within its limits will need to have percolating wells for rainwater harvesting.

Even those constructing new buildings by demolishing old structures in the Walled City areas will have to follow the rules.

According to officials of the Town Planning Department, the notification is actually being re-issued to simplify the building construction permission process.

Deputy Municipal Commissioner C M Makwana said: “The intention is to improve on the depleting groundwater level.

The guidelines were in existence. We have just made it mandatory with the new notification.

If the builders — who are planning to come up with new schemes — follow the system, it will help in improving the groundwater level.”

According to the notification, those who have diverted rainwater to drainage connection will have to get the certificate from the respective ward offices stating that the drainage connection for rainwater has been closed.

They have to procure this for getting the plinth check certificate.

Similarly, at the time of construction of the commercial building, the builder will have to mention about the arrangement for rainwater harvesting.

The same will be verified at the time of issuing the completion certificate.

As per the new rule, each multi-storeyed building will have to have one percolating well for each unit (residence or office). The location of the percolating well will have to be in a way that maximum water is accumulated in the well.

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