Bengaluru’s Green, Purple lines have no rainwater harvesting

14 Jul 2023 CW Team

A survey carried out by the NGO ActionAid India found that there is no rainwater harvesting structures (RWH) across the stretch of Green and Purple lines of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL).

The survey was conducted from June 9 to June 14, between Silk Institute station and Nagasandra station on Green Line and Magadi station and Kengeri station on Purple Line. “A total of 1,189 pillars were surveyed. Throughout the surveyed stretch of 41 km, it was noticed that there were no RWH structures collecting rainwater to recharge groundwater. Additionally, the Pink Line, which is under construction, was surveyed for the stretch of Kalena Agrahara to Tavarekere metro station, covering a distance of approximately 7 km of elevated stretch,” the survey said.

Rainwater harvesting is the collection and storage of rainwater that runs off from roof tops, parks, roads, open grounds, etc. This water runoff can be either stored or recharged into groundwater. Rainwater harvesting, according to experts, is the solution to reduce water scarcity.

During the survey it was also found that pits constructed close to the pillars were filled with gravel stones. “BMRCL hasn’t made any press statement so far clarifying the objective of these pits. In the survey, it has been noted that across the Green Line and Purple Line, these pits were filled with soil and trash. It is clear that after a few minutes of rain, water starts overflowing from the pits on to the road. These pits are not of any help in conserving rainwater,” it said.

In the survey, it was also suggested that BMRCL take up the responsibility of RWH structures across the Green, Purple and Pink lines. “The RWH structure found between MG Road and Byappanahalli Metro Station is a commendable example of efficient groundwater recharge by BMRCL – Namma Metro. It successfully captures and recharges every drop of rain, showcasing the immense potential for sustainable water management. BMRCL should take up similar RWH structures across the Green, Purple and Pink lines,” the survey said.

A survey carried out by the NGO ActionAid India found that there is no rainwater harvesting structures (RWH) across the stretch of Green and Purple lines of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL).The survey was conducted from June 9 to June 14, between Silk Institute station and Nagasandra station on Green Line and Magadi station and Kengeri station on Purple Line. “A total of 1,189 pillars were surveyed. Throughout the surveyed stretch of 41 km, it was noticed that there were no RWH structures collecting rainwater to recharge groundwater. Additionally, the Pink Line, which is under construction, was surveyed for the stretch of Kalena Agrahara to Tavarekere metro station, covering a distance of approximately 7 km of elevated stretch,” the survey said.Rainwater harvesting is the collection and storage of rainwater that runs off from roof tops, parks, roads, open grounds, etc. This water runoff can be either stored or recharged into groundwater. Rainwater harvesting, according to experts, is the solution to reduce water scarcity.During the survey it was also found that pits constructed close to the pillars were filled with gravel stones. “BMRCL hasn’t made any press statement so far clarifying the objective of these pits. In the survey, it has been noted that across the Green Line and Purple Line, these pits were filled with soil and trash. It is clear that after a few minutes of rain, water starts overflowing from the pits on to the road. These pits are not of any help in conserving rainwater,” it said.In the survey, it was also suggested that BMRCL take up the responsibility of RWH structures across the Green, Purple and Pink lines. “The RWH structure found between MG Road and Byappanahalli Metro Station is a commendable example of efficient groundwater recharge by BMRCL – Namma Metro. It successfully captures and recharges every drop of rain, showcasing the immense potential for sustainable water management. BMRCL should take up similar RWH structures across the Green, Purple and Pink lines,” the survey said.