In a commendable initiative driven by community effort, residents of an apartment complex in Somwar Peth, Tilakwadi, Belagavi, have successfully tackled water scarcity by adopting rainwater harvesting techniques. Thanks to their forward-thinking approach, their well remains full even in the peak of summer — a remarkable turnaround from the dry conditions they faced just a year ago.
Last year, led by the initiative of Harish Sadanand Tergaonkar, the residents implemented the Rainwater Harvesting system — a water conservation method focused on capturing and utilizing rainwater rather than letting it drain away. With proper interception, filtration, and redirection of rainwater from the terrace, nearly 3 lakh liters of water was naturally purified and recharged into the apartment’s well.
The result? This April, while other parts of the city face dry taps and rising tanker bills, the residents of this apartment enjoy a steady water supply from their very own well. A year ago, the situation was drastically different — the well had completely dried up in the summer of 2024, forcing families to depend on private water tankers, spending around ₹1,400 per day for just two tankers.
Key Steps in Their Rainwater Harvesting Model:
Terrace Water Collection: Rainwater is collected from rooftops through strategically installed pipelines.
Filtration: Water is passed through natural filters before reaching the well.
Ground Recharge: Filtered water is directed into the well to replenish groundwater levels.
Awareness Drives: Tergaonkar and team have taken this initiative further by educating college students and visiting other apartment complexes to promote the method.
Why It Matters – In Harish Tergaonkar’s Words:
“Rainwater harvesting is no longer an option — it’s a necessity,” says Tergaonkar. “Especially in apartment complexes where hundreds of people depend on a single well or borewell, every drop matters. If we don’t act now, we’ll soon be spending more on tankers than electricity. Nature gives us rain for free — all we need to do is collect it wisely.”
Inspired by this success, families in nearby Saraf Colony have also begun implementing similar systems in their homes and apartments.
Tergaonkar has now made it his mission to spread awareness about rainwater harvesting across Belagavi. With the right knowledge and collective effort, his work proves that urban communities can take control of their water future — one rooftop at a time.
You can reach Hairsh on +91 7411 062 815
Builders should note and implement. Most of the new buildings/constructions have no proper setback and rainwater harvesting system in place. Thanks to staff of Commissioner City Corporn. In fact as per law no completion certificate is to be issued. Now, there’s clear direction from supreme court that, if no CC, there won’t be any civic amenities connections,
The directive by Municipal Commissioner to check for Proper and Right Rain Water Harvesting System installation in all gated Communities / Apartment Complexes before issuing Completion Certificate / Occupancy Certificate need to be made mandatory at all cities including our Hyderabad.
The Communities should take initiative to install collection, filtering and storing/perculating of Rain Water by spending few thousands each.