Pune Sees Surge in Tax Discounts for Rainwater Harvesting

26 Aug 2024 CW Team

The municipal administration has offered a tax rebate of up to 10% for the installation of rainwater harvesting systems, as well as solar and vermicomposting units. However, the response to solar and vermicomposting units has been significantly higher compared to rainwater harvesting.

In 2012-2013, a total of 23,173 properties received tax discounts for all three categories—rainwater harvesting, solar, and vermicomposting. This number rose to 1,11,213 by 2022-2023, indicating a substantial increase in overall tax benefits claimed.

Despite these incentives, the adoption of rainwater harvesting systems remains lower than anticipated. In response to water scarcity issues highlighted in recent state assembly discussions, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized the need for mandatory rainwater harvesting systems in new constructions and called for a review of the current policy.

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has actively promoted rainwater harvesting since 2006, making it a requirement for all new building permissions. The PMC has also installed these systems in various public properties, including its headquarters, civic schools, ward offices, and hospitals.

With approximately 12.5 lakh properties in PMC areas liable for property tax, there is potential for wider adoption of rainwater harvesting. Around 2 lakh private properties have the capacity to install such systems, a number that could increase to around 3 lakh with the inclusion of newly merged areas.

PMC has also issued guidelines for commercial establishments, food joints, and educational institutions, urging them to focus on water recycling and reduce wastage. Nandkishor Jagtap, head of PMC's water supply department, stressed the importance of rainwater harvesting and proper maintenance of water tanks and taps to further conserve water resources.

Overall, while the increase in tax discounts is a positive step, broader adoption of rainwater harvesting remains crucial for addressing Pune's water scarcity challenges.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

In Pune, the number of property owners receiving tax discounts for implementing rainwater harvesting has surged nearly tenfold over the past decade, although overall adoption remains limited. In the fiscal year 2012-2013, only 306 properties availed tax benefits specifically for rainwater harvesting. This number jumped to 3,716 by 2022-2023, reflecting a growing awareness and uptake of the practice.The municipal administration has offered a tax rebate of up to 10% for the installation of rainwater harvesting systems, as well as solar and vermicomposting units. However, the response to solar and vermicomposting units has been significantly higher compared to rainwater harvesting.In 2012-2013, a total of 23,173 properties received tax discounts for all three categories—rainwater harvesting, solar, and vermicomposting. This number rose to 1,11,213 by 2022-2023, indicating a substantial increase in overall tax benefits claimed.Despite these incentives, the adoption of rainwater harvesting systems remains lower than anticipated. In response to water scarcity issues highlighted in recent state assembly discussions, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized the need for mandatory rainwater harvesting systems in new constructions and called for a review of the current policy.The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has actively promoted rainwater harvesting since 2006, making it a requirement for all new building permissions. The PMC has also installed these systems in various public properties, including its headquarters, civic schools, ward offices, and hospitals.With approximately 12.5 lakh properties in PMC areas liable for property tax, there is potential for wider adoption of rainwater harvesting. Around 2 lakh private properties have the capacity to install such systems, a number that could increase to around 3 lakh with the inclusion of newly merged areas.PMC has also issued guidelines for commercial establishments, food joints, and educational institutions, urging them to focus on water recycling and reduce wastage. Nandkishor Jagtap, head of PMC's water supply department, stressed the importance of rainwater harvesting and proper maintenance of water tanks and taps to further conserve water resources.Overall, while the increase in tax discounts is a positive step, broader adoption of rainwater harvesting remains crucial for addressing Pune's water scarcity challenges.

Real Estate

07 Jul 2026

Pecan Realty Completes Rs 1.5 Billion Transactions

Pecan Realty has recently completed four institutional transactions worth over Rs 1.5 billion over the past two years, strengthening its position as an execution-led real estate platform. The deals include resolution-led acquisitions, structured finance transactions and capital partnerships across its development portfolio.The transactions covered acquisitions through the National Company Law Tribunal process and helped provide repayment or exits to both private and public sector lenders. The company said the deals demonstrate its ability to resolve complex project situations, work with instit..

Real Estate

07 Jul 2026

SNN Estates Expands North Bengaluru Housing Project

SNN Estates has announced an expansion of its SNN Estates Felicity residential project in North Bengaluru following strong buyer demand, with 75 per cent of the first-phase inventory sold within three days of launch.The developer will add 76 apartments in the new phase, taking the project's estimated revenue potential to around Rs 1,000 crore upon completion of Phase 2.Spread across 6.5 acres in Rachenahalli, near Manyata Tech Park, the project comprises 604 apartments in 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 and 4 BHK configurations. The development includes a 50,000-sq-ft clubhouse with amenities such as sports co..

Infrastructure Urban

07 Jul 2026

SCG Drives ASEAN Industrial Transformation Strategy

SCG is strengthening its focus on ASEAN as a key growth region by advancing industrial transformation, enhancing competitiveness and building resilient regional value chains. Thammasak Sethaudom, President and Chief Executive Officer, SCG, highlighted the need for industries to continuously develop capabilities, strengthen resilience and deepen regional cooperation to achieve sustainable long-term growth.SCG views ASEAN as an important growth engine alongside China, supported by favourable demographics, trade connectivity and investment flows. With ASEAN’s GDP projected to grow by around 4.7..