Pune: Over the past decade, the number of property owners in Pune availing tax benefits for rainwater harvesting has witnessed a remarkable increase, surging nearly tenfold. Despite this growth, the overall uptake of rainwater harvesting systems remains relatively modest, reflecting both progress and persisting challenges in water conservation efforts.
According to recent data from the municipal administration, the count of properties benefiting from tax discounts specifically for rainwater harvesting has escalated from just 306 in the 2012-2013 fiscal year to 3,716 in 2022-2023. This substantial rise underscores a growing recognition of the importance of rainwater harvesting in addressing water scarcity. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) offers a tax rebate of up to 10% for properties that install rainwater harvesting systems, as well as solar panels and vermicomposting units.
The adoption rate for vermicomposting and solar energy systems has notably exceeded that for rainwater harvesting. In the 2012-2013 fiscal year, properties receiving tax benefits for all three categories—rainwater harvesting, solar energy, and vermicomposting—totalled 23,173. By 2022-2023, this figure had surged to 1,11,213, reflecting a broader acceptance of sustainable practices beyond rainwater harvesting. Despite these encouraging figures, the uptake of rainwater harvesting systems has not kept pace with the overall increase in tax benefits. The PMC’s environment officer highlighted that the civic body has been actively promoting rainwater harvesting through various channels, including social media, and has made it mandatory for all new buildings to incorporate these systems since 2006.
There are approximately 12.5 lakh properties within PMC’s jurisdiction liable for property tax, with around 2 lakh private bungalows and individual properties having the potential to install rainwater harvesting systems. This number is expected to rise to around 3 lakh with the inclusion of properties in newly merged areas. The PMC has urged property owners to take necessary steps for installing and maintaining rainwater harvesting systems, including repairing water tanks and taps. Beyond the PMC, other organisations are also contributing to water conservation efforts. Maha Metro, for instance, has implemented rainwater harvesting systems at all its elevated Metro stations and viaducts, with plans to extend these initiatives to Metro depots and offices. This move highlights the commitment of infrastructure projects to sustainability.
Col. (retd) [Name], an advocate for rainwater harvesting, emphasised the critical need to harness rooftop rainwater to mitigate the growing water crisis. He stressed that utilising this readily available resource could significantly enhance groundwater levels and address water shortages. The substantial increase in tax benefits for rainwater harvesting is a positive indicator of heightened awareness and engagement in water conservation practices. However, the relatively low adoption rate of rainwater harvesting systems suggests that further efforts are needed to encourage broader implementation and overcome existing barriers.
