Bangalore gets a new helpline for proper RWH.

 The following news item appeared in today’s TOI.

“Bangalore: Helpline for assistance, easy connect with trained technicians and even working models to understand the set-up. This will make all about rainwater harvesting (RWH) available under a single roof. The best part is you can also buy pop-up filters which filter rainwater collected from the dirty rooftops and make it potable.

Giving rainwater harvesting and training a big boost, the BWSSB has set up a special help desk along with the Karnataka State Centre for Science and Technology (KSCST) at the Indian Institute of Science. 

Inaugurated on Wednesday, the help desk will function between 9 am and 5.30 pm, Monday through Friday. It’ll be a one-point contact for almost all information about RWH — from technical know-how to getting across to trained plumbers and technicians. 

The centre will also have continuous day-long training programme for plumbers and architects. The target is to have at least 1,000 trained professionals. This Rs 30.4 lakh project will be executed over three years.

 The technology for pop-up filters developed by the KSCST has been transferred to a private firm in Gujarat for production. This will lead to a comfortable stock of filters at economical rates in the markets soon.”

 Mr. PK Venkataramanan a renowned architect, now retired residing at HAL III Stage; Bangalore felt that lack of trained technicians like plumber, electricians etc are a stumbling block for practicing architects. This is especially so for implementing RWH at private residences and big apartments. Residents in Bangalore have to practice RWH compulsorily by a new legislation.

This help line set up at IISc is an extremely welcome development.