As urban expansion continues to strain water sources, housing societies across the city are increasingly turning to rainwater harvesting (RWH).
Beyond conserving water, this practice reflects an evolving mindset: residents who once depended on tankers are now prioritizing sustainable, long-term solutions
Success Stories: Societies That Lead the Way
Roseland Residency - This society in Pimple Saudagar has been harvesting rainwater for a decade, saving over Rs 20 lakh annually and never needing to purchase water tankers. They recharge their borewells with the harvested rainwater.
Crosswinds Society, Baner eliminated its ₹40,000/month tanker bill by installing RWH in 2022—and now enjoys better-quality utility water with minimal external supply
Lunkad Sky Lounge, Kalyani Nagar, with 200 flats, made a cautious start with RWH months before expanding the system—and now offsets a large part of their daily water needs while reducing tanker dependency.
Why Adoption Remains Spotty
Despite notable gains, adoption across Pune societies is inconsistent:
While RWH is mandatory for new buildings since 2006, enforcement across existing housing remains weak. Many systems are poorly maintained or broken
Tax rebates—up to 10%—are available, but only 3,700 properties claimed them in 2022–23, out of around 200,000 eligible households
Society representatives cite maintenance hassle, lack of annual cleaning, and initial cost concerns as barriers.
Civic Role & Policy Gaps
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) offers incentives, but struggles with enforcement. Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis has emphasised mandatory RWH for new buildings, yet compliance remains uneven. Municipal buildings and metro stations now include RWH systems, but urban sprawl often outpaces water infrastructure.
Lifestyle Lessons from Rainwater Harvesting
Wellness for all seasons: Clean, on-site water boosts residents’ health and quality of life.
Nature meets convenience: RWH offers a seamless blend of sustainability and daily utility.
Community resilience: Shared responsibility strengthens social bonds and produces tangible savings.