Rainwater harvesting in schools awaits impetus

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The State Government did start implementing rainwater-harvesting systems in schools. However, the venture has not got the right impetus and disappeared.

A few years back, under the RMSA (Rashtriya Madhyamik Siksha Abhiyan) rainwater-harvesting systems did come up in a section of schools in the state. Gradually, the tanks started getting damaged due to a lack of proper upkeep. The few such systems that came out are in shambles now.

An official source said, "In many schools in the state, drinking water is scarce. In such a situation, the rainwater-harvesting systems could have given a respite. Rainwater-harvesting systems for schools are great for educating children about the benefits of conservation of our natural resources."

Even National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a directive to install rainwater-harvesting systems in all educational institutions. NGT has further said that there should be a penalty for institutions not following this directive.

According to sources, to make rainwater-harvesting systems a reality in schools, the government has to provide facilities, training, technical support, the cost of maintenance etc., to the schools.

According to sources, the government did entrust contractors the responsibility to erect rainwater-harvesting systems in the schools in the state. According to allegations, that gave the contractors a free run to install such systems without maintaining quality. Rainwater-harvesting systems have much scope in Assam as the state gets heavy downpours during the monsoon. "Besides schools' rooftops, playgrounds are the best places for rainwater harvesting. However, school authorities and the government failed to exploit this benefit," an official source said.

Also Read:   Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal calls for people's movement for rainwater harvesting

Also Watch: