Pune: The count of property owners availing tax discounts for implementing rainwater harvesting has surged nearly ten times over the past decade. However, overall adoption of rainwater harvesting practices remains less. According to civic data, only 306 properties availed tax benefits (just for rainwater harvesting) in 2012-2013.
The number rose to 3,716 in 2022-2023. The municipal administration has declared a tax rebate of up to 10% for installation of rainwater harvesting, solar, and vermicomposting units. The response to installing vermicomposting and solar units has been significantly higher as compared to rainwater harvesting.
Properties that received tax discount for all three categories in 2012 -2013 were 23,173. They number went up to 1,11,213 in 2022-2023. Water conservation and rainwater harvesting in Pune was discussed in the state assembly's monsoon session after local MLAs raised the water scarcity problem.
Deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, while replying to queries, said, "New constructions should make sure that they install rainwater harvesting system. PMC should scrutinise rainwater harvesting policy." PMC's environment officer Mangesh Dighe said that the civic administration has urged citizens to use rainwater harvesting system.
"It will not only help store rainwater, but also recharge groundwater," he added. In 2006, the civic body made it mandatory for all new building permissions to install rainwater harvesting system and promoted it through variou.