Mumbai Man is Setting Up Low-Cost Rainwater Harvesting Systems in Schools!

Subhajit Mukherjee, the founder of city-based NGO, Mission Green Mumbai, has found a cost-effective solution to the problem of rainwater wastage using PVC pipes and a water barrel/drum.

In an exclusive interview with The Better India (TBI), Mukherjee revealed that the idea was initially shared by retired IPS officer and governor of Pondicherry, Kiran Bedi, almost a month ago.

“I spoke to her and researched further about how a system like this could be adopted. I got in touch with engineers at IIT Bombay who were able to help with the modifications required to make the system effective. Even they thought that the idea was cost-effective and wouldn’t require complex engineering knowledge to build. And, at the same time, it would give us immediate results.”

Mukherjee explains the different ways in which rainwater can be harvested.

One way is to dig a pit and create a catchment area to accumulate rainwater. Once dug, this pit is filled with small pebbles or stones to prevent evaporation. Once it starts raining, the rainwater falls into the pit through the crevices or gaps between the rocks and stones that cover it. Over some time, once full, this rainwater starts seeping into the ground, recharging the groundwater table.

Another advantage of adding these stones and pebbles is to avoid any pedestrian accidents. (e.g. since the pit is full of rocks, no passerby will fall into it).