Water Board launches rainwater conservation drive

Metro India News | Hyderabad

The Hyderabad Water Board has launched an awareness campaign in Mothinagar to promote rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge, with a focus on converting unused and dry borewells into injection wells. The programme, organised in association with the local Residents Welfare Association (RWA) and residents, included an awareness rally and meeting on Tuesday.

As part of the initiative, two 200-foot-deep borewells in Mothinagar were converted into injection wells with technical support from the Water Board. One was established at the community hall and another near the residence of Mallareddy. Recharge pits were constructed around the wells, with pipes arranged to divert rooftop rainwater into them.

Officials said the system would help carry rainwater into deeper layers of the earth, thereby replenishing groundwater and improving borewell availability. It could also reduce dependence on water tankers and help address future water shortages.

The Water Board has set a target of encouraging rooftop rainwater harvesting in at least 80 per cent of houses in Mothinagar. Residents were urged to install scientifically designed recharge structures, while those constructing new houses were advised to incorporate rainwater harvesting from the planning stage and avoid unnecessary deepening of borewells.

Santosh, Executive Director, Jalmandali, Cyberabad Region, said identifying unused and dry borewells and converting them into injection wells was a key component of the Water Board’s 90-day action plan. Rainwater harvesting structures would be linked to such wells to facilitate groundwater recharge.

He also urged residents to plant more trees, protect the environment and use piped water judiciously.

Water Board officials called upon RWAs and residents in other colonies to emulate the Mothinagar initiative. They said widespread rainwater harvesting could prevent rainwater from being wasted as runoff, improve groundwater levels and strengthen long-term water security.

Director (Operations) Narayana, Director (Revenue) Kiran Kumar, GM Harishankar, DGM Chandrasekhar, Manager Zaki, groundwater expert Jala Satyanarayana and colony representatives, including Syed Hussain Baba, Mallareddy, RWA president Gopal Chaudhary and secretary Krishna, participated in the programme. Officials also thanked donors and residents who supported the initiative.