A gazette is to be issued making a rain water collection system compulsory in all proposed residential and commercial buildings constructed in lands of more than six perches.
Water Supply and Drainage Board Ministry (water sector) Director M.I.Abdul Lathiff said his ministry had recommended the issue of a gazette under the Urban Development Act.
"All plans for proposed buildings should include a rain water system. The Preliminary Planning Clearance and the Certificate of Conformity for Occupation all would be issued only if the system is built," he said.
He said that in most urban areas as the water supplied by the Board is used for gardening, washing vehicles and other activities there is an urgent need for promoting rain water usage in urban areas.
"We are presently spending Rs. 27 to supply 1000 litres and consumers too pay a considerable amount for water consumption. By using rain water for miscellaneous activities the underground water levels in rivers and streams supplying water could be maintained at satisfactory levels during drought periods as water consumption from such rivers and streams would then be low. By making the maximum use of rain water, flooding can also be minimised," he said.
The smallest tank that could be built is a five cubic metre tank which would cost around Rs. 30,000. "As filters are built into a rain water system the water can easily be used for almost all activities except for drinking and bathing," he said.
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