Modern adaptations of traditional rainwater harvesting?

Answer 1

1. Percolation Pit Method

RECHARGE TRENCH METHOD

Similar to recharge pit but longitudinal in shape Size : 0.5 - 1 m wide 1 - 1.5 m depth. Length may vary from 1.0 - 5.0 km Filled with broken bricks /pebbles Suitable for sandy sub-soil area.

RECHARGE TRENCH WITH BORE METHOD

Along the recharge trench boreholes has to be drilled Borehole interval 10 -15 feet Suitable for clay area.


NOTE:
i. Above structures are meant for area with large catchment like apartments / big complexes.
ii. RCC slab cover is optional.
iii. Top (1") portion may be filled with sand.

2.Bore well with settlement tank method

Roof top rain water may also be diverted to a borewell. Settlement / filter tank of required size has to be provided. Overflow water may be diverted to a percolation pit nearby. The rate of recharge through borewell is less effective than open wells. Defunct borewells may also be used.

3.Open well method

Rainwater from the terrace is diverted to the existing open well using PVC pipes through a filter chamber. The minimum size of the filter chamber is 2" x 2" x 2" filled with broken bricks in the bottom and sand on the top. The chamber may be covered with RCC slab.

4.Percolation pit with bore well method:

PERCOLATION PIT METHOD

Constructed in the open space at required intervals. Size " 1m x 1m x 1.5m (depth) Filled with broken bricks / pebbles Suitable for sandy sub - soil area One unit for 300 sq.ft area (approx.)

PERCOLATION PIT WITH BORE METHOD
A borehole to be drilled at the bottom of the percolation pit. Bore hole size : 150 - 300 mm dia with 10 -15M depth (approx.) Filled with broken bricks. Suitable for clay area.

AWARENESS ACTIVITIES

Following field tested IEC (Information, Education and Communication) methods were implemented to create awareness among the people of Rain Water Harvesting.

* Sensitization Meetings, Seminars, Workshops.
* Information Centres, Models, Folk arts.
* House to house visits & exposure visits.
* Informative pamphlets & Booklets, Mini exhibitions.
* Posters, Handbills, Wall Writings, Questionnaires.
* Small groups meetings, Demonstrations.
* Street corner Propaganda, Cycle rallies.
* Video & Cable TV, Public address system.
* Appeal in news papers & through personal letters.

IMPORTING NOBLE IDEAS TO STUDENTS

Sensitized the teaching community, students and their parents on the importance of harvesting. All schools, colleges, polytechnics, ITI were involved in the campaign. Organised rallies, Essay writings, discussions and demonstrations with the involvement of Eco clubs. Students were made to involve in creation of structures. Participation of local community, parents-teachers associations (PTA) and contribution of school management were ensured.

Answer 2

Rainwater harvesting means capturing rain when it falls. It is done to meet the increasing demand of water as also to recharge the ground water. People living in urban areas have realized the importance of traditional rainwaterharvesting methods like the rooftop storing method. The level of underground water in most of the urban areas has gone down much because of the increasing population, industrialization etc.

In Gendathur village, Mysore, about 200 households have adopted the rooftoprainwater harvesting method, thereby making village rich in rainwater. The Tamil Nadu government has made it compulsory for all the houses to haverooftop rainwater harvesting structures.