Nashik Municipal Corporation to launch drive to check rainwater harvesting systems, impose fines on establishments with defunct units

Nashik: The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) would soon launch an inspection drive to ensure that rainwater harvesting systems were functional across the city.As per existing regulations, installation of rainwater harvesting systems is mandatory for all residential and commercial buildings constructed on plots measuring 500sqm or more. Mayor Himgauri Aher issued instructions in this regard during a recent meeting with officials from NMC's planning department, which was convened to review the implementation of rainwater harvesting measures aimed at improving groundwater levels.During the meeting, civic officials discussed whether rainwater harvesting has been made compulsory for buildings with a built-up area exceeding 500sqm and reviewed the status of existing systems to ensure they were operational. Deliberations were also held on initiating penal action against building owners found violating the norms.The meeting, attended by environmentalists too, explored proposals to incentivise citizens who report instances of non-compliance. NMC is also considering offering concessions and incentives to buildings that voluntarily install rainwater harvesting systems.The mayor further directed the officials to ensure that rainwater harvesting systems in all govt buildings and offices were made operational before the monsoon onset.According to the NMC officials, residential and commercial buildings found to have defunct or non-functional rainwater harvesting systems would be liable to pay heavy fines. At the same time, residents who install such systems might be eligible for incentives in property tax, they said.A similar inspection drive was carried out in the second half of 2019, during which NMC identified over 60 buildings with non-functional rainwater harvesting systems and imposed fines of Rs 1,000 on each. The drive was, however, suspended for over two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, followed by the end of the civic body's five-year term in March 2022. Since then, the municipal corporation has been under administrative rule.With the return of a public representatives, renewed focus is being placed on issues related to the environment, water conservation, and groundwater recharge through rainwater harvesting.Environmental activist Rajesh Pandit said there was an urgent need to enhance groundwater levels through effective rainwater harvesting. "Last year, the monsoon began in May and continued till Oct-end. Despite good rainfall, the civic body had to deploy water tankers across the city. This highlights the importance of properly using rainwater harvesting systems to recharge groundwater," he said.Get real-time updates and result insights on the CBSE 12 Result 2026.