Sat Feb 01 07:08:10 UTC 2025: ## Bengaluru Metro’s Rainwater Harvesting Efforts Fall Short, Activists Claim

**Bengaluru, February 1, 2025** – Despite a growing water crisis and plummeting groundwater levels, the implementation of rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems in Bengaluru’s Namma Metro remains inadequate, according to activists. While the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) claims approximately 150 RWH structures are operational, ActionAid’s investigation reveals a far lower number, with only 30 functioning systems found along the Purple and Green lines. No RWH systems are planned for the upcoming Yellow Line.

Raghavendra B. Pachhapur of ActionAid criticized both the BMRCL and the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) for their lack of commitment to RWH. He highlighted the BWSSB’s focus on expensive long-term water import projects instead of utilizing readily available rainwater. ActionAid’s 2022 survey revealed significant problems with existing systems, including broken pipes, clogged pits, and missing components.

BMRCL’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Yashwanth Chavan, acknowledged the shortcomings, explaining that a ₹65 lakh tender for new RWH structures was initially unsuccessful but has since been awarded. He attributed some challenges to Bengaluru’s geology, which complicates the construction of recharge wells. However, the BMRCL plans to build recharge wells along Phase 2A and 2B viaducts and incorporate RWH in new depots.

Activists remain unconvinced, highlighting the slow progress and the continued lack of enforcement of mandatory RWH regulations. They warn that Bengaluru’s growing population and the BWSSB’s inadequate response could soon deplete the city’s groundwater resources entirely. Section 72 of the BWSSB Act mandates RWH for buildings over certain sizes, yet thousands remain non-compliant, incurring monthly penalties totaling ₹1.98 crore to ₹2 crore. The discrepancy between mandated regulations and their implementation underscores the urgent need for improved water management strategies in the city.

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