Progressive thinkers and environmentalists of Hassan have demanded that the district administration install rainwater harvesting systems in all government buildings in the district. The government should set an example and harvest rainwater so that the public starts doing so too, they opined.
Campaign to be launched
R.P. Venkateshmurthy, farmers’ leader, here on Monday, told presspersons that he and his like-minded friends would soon launch a campaign to put pressure on all offices to harvest rainwater.
“The Deputy Commissioner’s office was recently renovated. The government should have installed the rainwater harvesting apparatus so that those visiting the office would have been inspired to have a similar system in place in their private buildings,” he said.
The district administration should have the system installed in DC’s Office, Zilla Parishat building, Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS) and all other government offices, he said.
“On Monday, Hassan received a good amount of rain. However, on Tuesday, students of a hostel in HIMS complained of water shortage. If a rainwater harvesting system was in place on campus, the students would not have had to face this problem,” he said.
Taking exception to the functioning of the Department of Environment and Ecology, he said, “We have an officer of the Department of Environment and Ecology in every district. Nobody knows what work he does. So far, the officer has not conducted even one workshop to popularise rainwater harvesting,” he said.
Situation getting worse
Many villages of Hassan district and localities in Hassan town have been facing acute drinking water shortage. People have to cover long distances to get water for daily requirements.
“The situation is sure to take a turn for the worse in the years to come. We have to prepare ourselves to face the consequences by adopting measures like harvesting rainwater,” Mr. Venkateshmurthy said.
Environmentalists Suresh Guruji, Sheshappa and others were present at the conference.
