Udupi: Rainwater harvesting workshop held

The value of water cannot be overstated. With water scarcity worsening each year due to inefficient usage and neglect of rainwater harvesting, the situation becomes increasingly critical. While alternatives exist for many things, there is simply no replacement for water. It is irreplaceable and indispensable.

Recognizing the critical importance of water conservation,  Udayavani, in partnership with the Udupi district administration and Zilla Panchayat, organized a comprehensive rainwater harvesting workshop at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee hall of the Udupi District Collector’s office complex.

The workshop, held on Saturday, aimed to raise awareness and provide practical guidance on the implementation of rainwater harvesting techniques in households and buildings across the district. Participants highlighted the urgency of the situation, emphasizing that water scarcity poses a significant challenge to both urban and rural communities alike.

Speaking at the workshop, Joseph Rebello emphasized the importance of harnessing rainwater as a means to replenish groundwater sources. He underscored the need for every drop of rain to be absorbed into the ground through lakes, wells, or borewells, thereby increasing groundwater levels and ensuring self-sufficiency in water supply for households.

One of the key strategies discussed was the utilization of well water for rainwater recharge. Rebello explained that rainwater flowing in small pits, streams, or ditches can be directed into borewells, effectively replenishing groundwater reserves. He emphasized the importance of ensuring smooth water flow into the borewell, highlighting the potential for borewells to be refilled, particularly benefiting economically disadvantaged families.

Additionally, participants discussed the feasibility of discharging rainwater directly into borewells, regardless of the intensity of rainfall. Unlike traditional wells, borewells penetrate the earth’s bedrock, providing a pathway for rainwater to reach deeper groundwater reserves. By installing rain catchment systems, empty cavities within the bedrock can be effectively filled, further enhancing groundwater recharge.

The workshop also stressed the importance of water recycling as a means to mitigate water scarcity. Participants highlighted the need for households to adopt water reuse methods, such as installing small soak pits to allow wastewater to infiltrate into the ground. By recycling water and minimizing discharge into sewage systems or the sea, participants emphasized the importance of preserving groundwater resources for future generations.

Addressing concerns about the practical implementation of rainwater harvesting, participants emphasized that it can be adopted in various settings, including tiled houses, RCC buildings, hospitals, schools, and apartments. The cost of implementation, they noted, depends on factors such as proximity to wells or borewells and the chosen method of rainwater harvesting.

Key considerations for rainwater harvesting methods were outlined, emphasizing the importance of low maintenance, ease of plumbing work, efficient water collection, and rapid drainage. Detailed instructions were provided for the installation of rain catchment systems in open wells and borewells, including the use of filters, tanks, and gravel to facilitate water flow and prevent contamination.

In conclusion, the rainwater harvesting workshop in Udupi district served as a crucial platform for fostering community engagement and collective action towards sustainable water management. Participants left equipped with the knowledge and practical skills needed to implement rainwater harvesting techniques in their respective households and buildings, thereby contributing to the conservation and preservation of precious water resources for future generations.