RDA Decided Proper Rainwater Management Plan is Required for Approval Housing Projects

Rawalpindi: Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has decided to approve only those residential and commercial projects that would come up with a proper rainwater management plan. The spokesman of the RDA informed that under the directives of the DG RDA the civic agency has compiled the rules for making use of precious rainwater. He said that Rawalpindi is the second city in Punjab that has decided to use rainwater and introduce environmentally friendly measures in the city. The use of rainwater, he said, is becoming vital day by day keeping in view the depleting water resources.

The spokesman further informed that the RDA is formulating a comprehensive plan for rainwater harvesting. He said that the rainwater would be preserved for utilization in the mosques and washrooms. The flowing water from the mosques, he said, would be ideal for irrigation purposes as it is free of chemicals. He said although the idea is new for the residents of Rawalpindi yet it is very useful for gardening, irrigation and septic tanks, and car washing stations. He said that the RDA had launched the project last year and a local mosque had acquired the system to save rainwater for ablution and then channelling the used water for irrigation in the parks.

The spokesperson of the RDA continued that the rainwater can be used for anything other than human consumption. He said that the rainwater harvesting has been started with Turkish cooperation whereby the gift amount of Rs 50 million was given to RDA for the implementation of the project. The project would ensure the utilization of millions of gallons of rainwater that drains into Nullah Leh and other drains of the city. He said that the UNDP has also offered technical and financial support for using and recycling water. He also informed that the RDA in collaboration with PHA would install the Rainwater Harvesting Projects in various places in the city.