Sir,

I understand that the authorities of Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) have made rain water harvesting to all buildings (old and newly-constructed) mandatory and if not adhered to within three months, MCC would impose a fine every month.

While this decision is logical to newer constructions in the city, it is rather draconian to the older houses. Instead, my suggestion is to make a two-step approach as follows:

Step 1: Make it mandatory to new buildings to be constructed or to be completed from today.

Step 2: For existing Buildings:

1. MCC should ensure storm water drainage system is built in every locality and this storm water drain is properly connected to the existing lakes or wide streams which in turn are connected to a main canal or a river.
2. Then only MCC should instruct every existing building to modify its drainage system to connect the rain water directly to storm water drain in front of their buildings.
3. At present, storm water drains are either non-existent or half constructed. If you come to my locality in Jayalakshmipuram, I will show you a dozen such examples!

Therefore, before thinking of imposing a fine on non-compliance of hurriedly thought of rule, please think of alternatives. Citizens are willing to co-operate provided the rules are reasonable.

– U.B. Acharya, Jayalakshmipuram, 28.7.2018

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