Ecological Benefits of Reviving Urban Water Bodies using Rainwater Harvesting

Abstract

Water bodies across India are facing a myriad of ecological challenges due to rapid industrialization and urbanization. As India continues to develop, focus is shifting from preservation and conservation of natural resources to greater economic growth. Issues likeloss of watershed, increasing pollution levels, deteriorating water balance, encroachment and illegal constructions have led to a reduction in the number of urban water bodies and a dire lack of groundwater recharge has impacted the health of existing water bodies over time. Such issues coincide with an influx of population in India’s cities leading to an increase in demand of water resources for personal consumption and for industry. To cater to this rising demand for water across India, augmenting the number of water bodies and improving their health is crucial from a public health and ecological perspective. Water bodies like ponds and lakes provide various ecosystem services that are required to manage microclimate, biodiversity and nutrient cycling. In the Indian context, millions rely on these ecological services provided by water bodies and historically rainwater harvesting has been used as an easy, low-cost and locally adoptable technique to maintain water storage. Its application to revive water bodies can help revitalise water bodies and provide ecological benefits in the process. Implementation of community water management schemes with maximum people’s participation is crucial to ensure the success of such schemes. Similar studies across India and the world lay precedent for such practices and can ameliorate the water shortages faced at a micro level in today’s day and age