Chennai: Necessity is the mother of invention. Going by the adage, it is only during the times of crisis, we take measures to address the issue. True. This year’s monsoon deficit led neighbourhood residents to take measures on war footing. One such measure is harvesting the rainwater along the streets which was initiated by Voltas Colony Residents’ Welfare Association (VCRWA) in Nanganallur that benefits 500 residents of the locality.
Asked about the spark, association secretary Kumaravelu says, “It is due to the scarcity that the city faced this summer that brought us here. Back then the association decided to implement and selected around 20 points in our locality when it rained.”
According to him, majority of the households in the colony have constructed RWH structures at their homes. “Now it is time to implement the scheme along the streets,” the octagenerian adds.
While the diametre of the pits are about two-feet, the depth is around eight-feet. However, the depth of the structures vary depending and the association has dug deeper as much as possible to save rainwater.
“We have shortlisted low-lying places that collects more water during the monsoon. Now, we have constructed around eight pits,” Kumaravelu, a retired civil engineer, said.
Further to it, he feels that the awareness level has picked up in the neighbourhood unlike in the past. “The funds are collected from our colony residents. As and when the funds improve, the work will be completed soon,” the secretary said.
It may be noted that the colony residents bore the brunt of water scarcity during the summer. “We had even exhausted the stored rainwater and the residents had to heavily rely on private tankers for meeting the needs,” he noted.
Recently, the association, with Corporation had rejuvenated a well in Voltas Colony First Street park and now the water from stormwater drain has been diverted to it. Around 40 saplings in our avenues was planted in the colony which was sponsored by Rajini Makkal Mandram.
The association has been involved in voluntary activities and next up, they are planning to help the homeless by donating blankets and clothes. For details, contact 98404 89676.