Publicise rainwater harvesting, make it attractive: HC to DJB

Rainwater harvesting should be given wide publicity and Delhi Jal Board (DJB) should offer rebates to attract people to implement it, Delhi High Court said today.
"Why aren't you advertising? Why not put it in the newspapers? Do that first. Advertise that people will get rebate," a bench of justices Badar Durrez Ahmed and Sanjeev Sachdeva said.
"We feel wider publicity is needed for public awareness to enable community at large to participate in RWH programs," it said, adding that DJB should also advertise that it would provide technical and financial assistance to people interested in setting up such systems.

The court directed DJB to file an affidavit by next date of hearing, April 22, indicating steps taken.
It issued the direction after going through DJB's affidavit indicating efforts made by it to encourage RWH in Delhi, including making it mandatory for properties of 500 sq metres or more and increasing tariff in case of non- compliance.
The "incentives and disincentives" provided by DJB also include rebate in tariff to those who implement RWH and waste water recycling systems/measures.

On the other hand, if those who are required to implement it, do not do so, the tariff applicable on them rises by 1.5 times, the civic agency has said.

After going through the affidavit, the court also asked DJB to communicate with all government departments and court complexes to ensure RWH system is in place wherever possible.
It directed DJB to file a status report on this aspect as well as whether any waste water recycling project was in place and if yes, the quantum of water being recycled and how was it being carried out.