As Bengaluru faces a worsening water crisis, one citizen’s initiative is making a significant impact. Ganesh Shanbhag, a software engineer with a passion for environmental conservation, has helped over 300 apartment complexes adopt rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems. His efforts have saved lakhs in water costs and contributed to groundwater replenishment.
According to The Better India, Ganesh’s journey into water conservation began when his own apartment’s borewells dried up, forcing residents to rely on expensive water tankers. Determined to find a sustainable solution, he implemented a cost-effective RWH system in his 100-flat complex. Within two months, they saved ₹2 lakh in water expenses and reduced tanker dependency.
How the Rainwater Harvesting System Works
Ganesh’s RWH system efficiently captures, filters, and stores rainwater for daily use. The process involves:
- Collection: Rooftop rainwater is directed through PVC gutters into downpipes.
- Filtration: A ‘first flush’ system removes initial debris, followed by disc filters and atmospheric ozone purification.
- Storage & Distribution: Purified water is stored in underground tanks and pumped to overhead tanks.
- Groundwater Recharge: Excess water is directed into recharge pits to restore the local water table.
Expanding the Impact Across Bengaluru
Seeing the success in his own apartment, Ganesh offered his expertise to other residential communities free of charge. While the ₹3 lakh investment covers material costs, he considers this work his passion. Today, over 300 apartment complexes have adopted his RWH model, reducing their reliance on tankers and promoting long-term water security.
The Bigger Picture: Bengaluru’s Water Woes
The city’s water crisis is fueled by rapid urbanization, groundwater depletion, and neglected water bodies. Many lakes have dried up or become polluted, while borewells run empty. Some apartments depend on private tankers that source water from over 130 km away, making it an unsustainable solution.
Ganesh’s initiative proves that citizen-led efforts can play a crucial role in addressing Bengaluru’s water shortage. His work stands as an example of how simple, scalable solutions can create a lasting impact.
