Pune: Around a decade after its initial trials, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is once again exploring the option of installing a rainwater harvesting system beneath the city’s roads.The project aims to mitigate urban flooding while simultaneously recharging depleting groundwater tables. The PMC previously introduced porous, pervious blocks over a specialised aggregate sub-base, turning a standard concrete footpath into a functional rainwater harvesting system. “The move aims to save the run-off of rainwater. It can help in saving water and also bring down cases of waterlogging,” said Rajesh Bankar, head of the PMC’s road department.As per the PMC officials, one such initiative was taken around Paramhansnagar at Kothrud. But according to locals, though the project has proved effective, there was apathy on the part of the civic administration in maintaining it properly. “The groundwater level has improved. The project can be more effective if authorities look after it. Civic officials do not visit the site. Many of the officials do not even know such a system exists. The maintenance is very poor. If the administration wants to introduce such a project again, they should make sure that it is maintained properly,” said Kishor Shinde, a local resident and former elected member.“Residents at locations are suffering due to waterlogging caused on the roads. The majority of these roads are constructed using concrete. If any effective system to deal with such water stagnation on the road is introduced, it may give relief to the commuters,” said Chinmay Joshi, a resident of Bibvewadi.Civic officials said that the administration also has started a project of deep trenches. They are dug near key foothills across the city to hold the water running off slopes. The pits are filled with natural purification and filtration units, using sand, brick and stone.
