Dr. Jayaramaiah urges MCC to educate citizens on use of clean drinking water from rainwater harvesting system

Mysuru:  There is floods in many parts of the State and most of the reservoirs and dams are overflowing. It looks like there will not be a water problem for quite some time and that too the woes of drinking water are almost over. But one has to look deeply to understand about not just drinking water but clean drinking water and then the real problem comes into focus.

The use of rainwater properly is what needs to be understood. A resident of Mysuru has taken a major step in this direction. Former Member of Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority Dr. K.M. Jayaramaiah has used very inexpensive technology to conserve rainwater and use it for drinking purposes  by implementing Rainwater Harvesting System (RWHS).

Though the world is covered by 70% water, only 3% of it can be used. Out of this, two per cent is in the form of glaciers and thus only one per cent is fit for drinking purposes is the view of Jayaramaiah. And if we understand the seriousness of the situation then the importance of rainwater harvesting  can be understood.

Dr. Jayaramaiah, a resident of 4th Stage, 3rd Cross, Paduvana Road in T.K. Layout has implemented a low cost option of rainwater harvesting for drinking purposes and is keen to educate the people about this method.

Speaking to SOM in this regard, Dr. Jayaramaiah said that he had bought double layer stainless steel cartridge filter for roof-top rainwater harvesting in his house. He has let rain water to pass through filter into the sump.

The filter he bought cost him Rs. 5,000 and a similar one which is bigger than this costs Rs. 12,000. However, there is one more method which is still more economical that the economically weaker section can use. This low cost filter will cost only about Rs. 1,000. It can be devised by having four equal layers of big gravel, small gravel, charcoal and sand. All that one needs to do is to pass rain water through this filter. Of course, there will be a tap at the bottom, he said.

When it rains, 15 minutes must be allowed to wash off the dirt and other muck accumulated on the roof. Then the filtered water must be allowed to flow into the sump, he added.

Behind his house he has let rooftop rain water to soak into the soil where his family has grown different plants. But those who do not have space in the vicinity of their house can harvest rain water for washing clothes, utensils, vehicles etc. said Dr. Jayaramaiah.

In a letter to the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) Commissioner dated 22-05-2019, he has requested the MCC to conduct awareness programmes pertaining to rainwater harvesting in all wards of Mysuru city by involving NGO’s, service minded people, elected members, and MCC officials, he said.

Water bill comes down

Before I installed rainwater harvesting cartridge filter in my house, the water bill was more than Rs. 450 per month. But my last month’s water bill was Rs. 216. If I deduct Sewage charge out of Rs. 216 it comes down to Rs. 165. My intention of presenting this is to urge the citizens of Mysuru to harvest rainwater so that we can save water.  The rainwater is pollution free and is good for health, said  Dr. K.M. Jayaramaiah