As part of its ongoing campaign to spread awareness about rainwater harvesting, Chennai Metrowater will set up rain centres in 14 zones by month-end
At present, Anna Nagar zone has a rain centre that showcases working models of rainwater harvesting (RWH) structures and information on the benefits of such structures on groundwater and their maintenance.
Sources in Chennai Metrowater said such models would be replicated in all the zones to spread awareness on the importance of harnessing rainwater among residents.
The water agency is now focussing on inspecting the condition of RWH structures in commercial buildings and Metrowater-owned buildings.
Officials of Metrowater said there are also plans to hold campaigns at city beaches to stress the importance of maintaining RWH structures and reaping the benefits of the monsoon.
Schools continue to carry message
Metrowater has tied up with over 150 schools across the city to conduct rallies and awareness programmes stressing the need to harness rainwater.
On Friday, nearly 400 school children took part in rallies in Thiruvanmiyur and Ashok Nagar.
Part of a city-wide initiative, the event, held near Chennai Middle School in Lakshmipuram, Thiruvanmiyur, drew a large crowd from the neighbourhood besides students of Kalakshetra Besant Theosophical High School. The students covered various localities and distributed pamphlets.
While Velachery MLA M.K. Ashok and Virugambakkam MLA V.N. Ravi flagged off the rally in Thiruvanmiyur, T. Nagar MLA V.P. Kalairajan flagged off the procession organised in Ashok Nagar.
'They spoke on the need to harness rainwater to replenish the groundwater table. Mr. Ashok said the rainwater-harvesting scheme, initiated by the AIADMK-led government during its previous rule in 2001-06, had helped recharge the water table.
At Poonamallee, representatives of various interest groups, including traders, self-help groups and residents’ welfare associations, organised a procession to create awareness about rainwater harvesting.
Several people also went on a two-wheeler rally from Poonamallee to Kumananchavadi. Poonamallee municipality officials distributed pamphlets in residential and commercial areas.