Chennaivasis, like most of their counterparts elsewhere, realize the preciousness of water only when it runs scarce. But experts in water management feel scarcity of water and drought conditions are more man-made than due to failure of rains. Rather it is more due to the failure of man to harvest rainwater. It is age-old wisdom that rain has to be caught as it falls, otherwise, it will just run off. One now sees a ray of hope in the example of small residential communities like families in an apartment complex harvesting rain and having enough water even in the dead of summer, while their neighbours wait for tankers to bring water.

The residents of Rangalakshmi flats in Mandaveli have set up a system with the help of Metro Water engineers that channels rainwater from their rooftop through drain pipes into a pit. The area around is sloped so that water from the environs also flows easily into the pit that has layers of sand, pebbles and broken bricks for good filtration. While this in itself will improve the ground water table, the residents have also sunk an open well, into which a PVC pipe conducts the water from the pit. The open well is near their bore well. Now the salinity of the bore well water has also reduced.

The terrace and roof of every house and building complex can be converted into catchment areas for rain water by this simple technique. Rain harvesting can also be introduced in public and community wells situated near slums and in villages, draining water from nearby rooftops into them. Connecting storm water drain lines to tanks, rivers and dams can greatly improve the water position of a city with little effort and maintenance.

Some communities in Gujarat and Rajasthan have made rainwater harvesting a way of life and as a result have experienced a turn around in their fortunes. In Rajasthan, people have perfected the art of making 'kundis' - preparing a patch of land with a slope towards its centre. Cement or limestone lining of this artificial catchment area increases the run-off of the rainwater into the depression. This water meets various needs like irrigation and washing of clothes. Underground water is retained for drinking alone.

Raj Samadhiyala village in Gujarat is another classic example of how effective water management can improve socio-economic conditions radically. A decade ago, this village was declared a desert area. In 1986-87, the villagers constructed twelve check dams within two years. They also undertook stone trenching and terracing of their fields. Aided by the District Rural Development Agency, they have implemented around 50 micro-watershed projects. Despite scanty rains, the ground water level now is fairly high and the whole area sports a green look, hardly like a desert. More than that, the farmers' prosperity has increased manifold.

Rainwater harvesting can solve major water problems in most parts of India. Local residents, like our friends in Mandaveli, can do it themselves without waiting for help from the government. All that is needed is awareness and a policy of self-help.