Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa launched
India’s first Rain Centre at 4, 3rd Trust Link Street, Mandavelipakkam, Chennai on
Wednesday, August 21. The Rain Centre is a permanently set up exhibition that highlights
the potential of rainwater harvesting in urban areas, and defines the role played by the
citizens of Chennai in managing water. It has been set up by the New Delhi-based NGO
Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and Akash Ganga Trust, a citizen's group in
Chennai. While inaugurating the Centre, the Chief Minister
said, "It is a significant initiative. Involving local people in the process of
harvesting rainwater is critical. So spreading awareness about this concept should
be our priority." She released a background paper prepared by CSE on the existing
water supply system in the city, titled ‘Managing Water in Chennai’, and a CD
ROM containing comprehensive information on rainwater harvesting - its history, the
techniques, and a nationwide database of water harvesters.
Speaking at the launch, Sunita Narain, Director, CSE, said,
"Almost all cities and towns in India today are plagued by severe water crises. This
is primarily because of our heavy dependence on groundwater. Take Chennai, for instance.
More than 60 per cent of its daily water requirements are met by exploiting groundwater.
And the governments are yet to devise an effective strategy to replenish this resource.
So, we are convinced that the only solution lies in reviving our age-old Indian tradition
of water management. That is, catching every drop of rain that falls and involving every
user-household, institutions and industries in this process. The Rain Centre will provide
the people the know-how. It will rebuild the relationship between the local communities
and water."
The
Rain Centre features various aspects and techniques of both traditional and modern
rainwater harvesting systems through a colourful assortment of panels, posters, a live
rainwater harvesting model, electronic simulations and films reflecting the myriad moods
of rain.
The Tamil Nadu unit of the National Water Harvesters' Network, led by the CSE, will also
be stationed at the Centre. It will provide technical guidance to Chennai residents keen
on implementing rainwater harvesting. It will also organize training workshops, seminars
and eco-tours for individuals and groups eager to take up the leadership in the movement
to conserve water.
