Success Stories

AR Shivakumar, known as Bengaluru's 'Rain Man', has built a home named 'Sourabha' that relies 100% on rainwater. Through an intricate system of rooftop harvesting and groundwater recharge, he hasn't paid a water bill in over 20 years. His home serves as a living museum of water conservation, inspiring thousands to adopt sustainable practices.

Shivakumar's system channels rainwater from the roof into a 4,500-litre tank on the ground floor. Excess water is diverted to percolation pits to recharge the groundwater. A 10,000-litre sump under the car park stores filtered water. This holistic approach ensures valid water security and demonstrates that self-sufficiency is possible even in a bustling metropolis.

Subhajit Mukherjee, a resident of Mumbai, has innovated a cost-effective rainwater harvesting system. His goal is to tackle the city's waterlogging issues while simultaneously addressing water scarcity.

His low-cost innovation involves using PVC pipes and a water barrel to create an underground pit. This system not only collects rainwater for non-drinking purposes but also significantly aids in groundwater recharge. Priced between ₹2,500 and ₹5,000, it makes rainwater harvesting accessible to the average household, schools, and housing societies.

Chennai, a city facing the dual challenges of acute water scarcity and severe flooding, has turned to community-based rainwater harvesting as a powerful solution.

Residents and local organizations have collaborated to construct recharge wells, percolation pits, and rooftop harvesting structures across various neighborhoods. These decentralized efforts have proven effective in recharging the city's aquifers and regulating groundwater levels. Crucially, they also help mitigate urban flooding during heavy monsoons, showcasing the dual benefits of harvesting.