If we make sure that our plots and roads are well designed, it can go a long way in preventing floods, says Anupama Mohanram.
The recent floods in many neighborhoods of the city are a clear indicator of the lack of a focused plan to channelize or collect our rainwater. This has caused a lot of inconvenience to us, let alone the fact that we could not collect this pure water for future use.
Although long-term government intervention is needed to change this situation, we can all make a conscious effort to see our plots, roads and neighborhoods as smaller hubs that we can strive to improve.
Looking back in time, decentralized rainwater harvesting systems planned and maintained by local communities were common. The wells of the stepwells in Gujarat and Rajasthan are testimony to such a plan. Shallow wells were popular because water levels were easy to identify, and they were an indicator of water availability for the community during different times of the year. This translated to conscious use of water. The rainwater systems were planned taking into account the slope of the land, the composition of the soil and the needs of the communities.
In today’s context, to begin with, there are a few measures we can all take in our personal plots:
1. Make sure we plan to collect 100% of the rainwater directly from our roofs for domestic use. The rainwater filter at the base of the down pipe will ensure adequate filtration. Roof slopes and water pipes should be checked and cleaned periodically.
2. Make sure that all rain water that falls on the ground is either absorbed into the ground or taken to a natural pond (if space permits) or a well.
One way to facilitate seepage is to reduce the amount of hard surface or paving on the ground. It is also essential that rain water pipes designed for seepage are planned keeping in mind the terrain as well as the type of soil present in order to ensure maximum seepage into the ground. In case of places with high water level, wells or ponds can be used after providing adequate slope to the ground.
Rainwater harvesting structure utilizing roof water. Photo: CV Subrahmanyam
3. Build lattice-covered channels at the entry points of the plot to ensure that any water from outside is arrested at the gate due to level difference. It can then be connected to a pond or well within the plot.
Looking outside our plots, we must ensure that the streets and roads adjacent to our homes are planned with a slope sufficient for storm drains to run along the side. This water can be collected in wells or tanks localized at the neighborhood level.
Also it is imperative for new home buyers to check that adequate provisions have been made to collect and channelize rain water within their plot or community, rather than focusing only on the total built up area.
If we can ensure that our plots, streets and mohallas are well designed, it can go a long way in preventing floods, appreciating rain and using our rainwater effectively .
The author is the founder of Green Evolution, a sustainable architecture firm.
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