Delhi Climate Resilience Planning| Rainwater Harvesting Should Be Seamlessly Integrated With Innovative Strategies- High Court

A Delhi High Court Bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Sanjeev Narula has made observations regarding Delhi's climate resilience planning and rainwater harvesting. 

To that end, the Court has said that, "Rainwater harvesting should be seamlessly integrated into the city's climate resilience planning. To achieve this, the authorities must continually explore innovative strategies, adapt to evolving conditions, and proactively confront emerging challenges. A persistent focus on educating the public and resident welfare associations about the advantages of rainwater harvesting, coupled with practical implementation guidance, can catalyze a cultural shift towards sustainable water practices."

The petitioner, Advocate RK Kapoor, appeared in person, while ASC Hetu Arora Sethi, among others, appeared for the State-respondents.

In this case, the Court was hearing a PIL revolving around the pressing concern of water conservation in the NCT of Delhi, specifically focusing on the implementation of rainwater harvesting initiatives. The petition outlined a series of remedies aimed at fostering a comprehensive approach to address the issue of rainwater harvesting. He also pointed out the successful implementation of rainwater harvesting practices in various states within India, including Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra, as well as in other countries like Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, and Israel

The Court noted that the urgency of water conservation had never been more paramount than in the dynamic urban landscapes of the present era. In furtherance, the Court said that, "The deluge that inundated Delhi, magnifies the relevance of proactively anticipating and preparing for extreme weather events, which are becoming increasingly commonplace due to climate change. This recent occurrence underscores the critical need for continued vigilance, preparedness and strict-monitoring and implementation of recommendations outlined in the Sub-Committee Report".

Further, the Court also stressed that it was equally crucial for the authorities to explore innovative strategies for water conservation. In that context, it was said that, "It is equally crucial for the authorities to explore innovative strategies for water conservation, especially given the unpredictable and evolving weather patterns. The challenge now lies in harnessing the potential of rainwater harvesting systems and aligning sewer, drainage, and water storage systems to maximize the efficiency of rainwater utilization, regardless of the nature of the precipitation—be it excessive or intermittent. This integrated approach is indispensable to bolstering water conservation efforts."

Acknowledging the efforts of the petitioner, the Court disposed the petition.

Cause Title: RK Kapoor vs National Capital Territory of Delhi & Ors.

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