How a Delhi locality fought and won its water battle

As parts of the country battle water crisis, Delhi's Nizamuddin East has set an example by setting up water harvesting facilities in the colony, which not only improved the water quality but also increased the water levels in the society.

"The community members came together and installed 17 structures in parks, which are regularly cleaned and maintained. When the rain water falls into collection chambers and storm (water) drains, the perforated filter cleans it and gets mixed with ground water. Thereby, recharging ground water which was earlier consumed, and adding required minerals to it," said Vandana Menon, secretary, Residents' Welfare Association (RWA), Nizamuddin East.

Built in collaboration with the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), the local residents have funded the project completely, without any financial assistance from the government. The infrastructure was installed during Sheila Dikshit regime. However, residents rue that former and incumbent governments in Delhi did not provide funds for the project. Residents want governments to be more involved in such important initiatives.

The main water supply source is private bore wells, which are coupled with municipal supply. However, this harvesting infrastructure is "technologically advanced". Residents confirm that the system is a safe, natural and cost-effective investment.

The locals had contributed Rs two lakh for the project years ago, and now they are enjoying the much needed respite. "We cumulatively experienced a water rise from in the past years. We harvested the rainfall and recharged the ground water, which residents use for all purposes, including drinking. Compared to blackish water in some areas in Delhi and NCR, our locality receives much clean water," added Menon.

While other areas of Delhi face scarcity and depend on tankers, water harvesting system protects this entire locality from any emergency, turning it into a model inspiration.