Observations: -
Roseland Residency in Pune has become an
inspirational model for sustainable living through its
pioneering eco-friendly initiatives. Once faced with
water scarcity, the housing society implemented a
comprehensive rainwater harvesting system to reduce
dependence on external water sources and address
seasonal shortages. The system effectively channels
rainwater from rooftops and other surfaces into recharge
pits and storage tanks, replenishing groundwater and
conserving water for non-potable use.
Following is a detailed interview of Mr. Santosh
Maskar , the Chairman on Roseland Society :-
1. What inspired Roseland Residency to adopt rainwater
harvesting as part of its initiatives?
Answer:
The alarming shortage of water in Pune and the need for
sustainable practices motivated Roseland Residency to
adopt rainwater harvesting. The community aimed to
reduce dependency on external water sources and
manage their water needs more effectively.
2. How much water do you need on daily basis and how
much do you actually receive from PCMC?
Answer:
The total daily demand of water in the society is 10 to
12 lakh litres, while we receive only 70,000 to 80,000
litres per day from PCMC. The rest of the water comes
from our bore wells, which we recharge every year
during monsoons.
3. Can you describe the rainwater harvesting system
implemented in Roseland Residency?
Answer:
The system involves diverting rainwater from rooftops
and other surfaces into recharge pits and storage tanks.
This setup helps replenish groundwater levels and
provides water for non-potable uses.
4. What benefits have you observed since the
introduction of the rainwater harvesting system?
Answer:
The system has significantly reduced water scarcity
during the summer months, minimized reliance on
water tankers, and improved the overall water self-
sufficiency of the community.
5. Were there any challenges faced during the
implementation of rainwater harvesting, and how were
they overcome?
Answer:
Initial challenges included a lack of awareness and
convincing residents about the long-term benefits. The
committee overcame this by conducting awareness
campaigns and showcasing successful water-saving
outcomes.
6. Apart from rainwater harvesting, what other
measures has Roseland Residency taken for water
conservation?
Answer:
The community has undertaken plantation drives, built
a sewage treatment plant, and ensured that treated water
is used for gardening and other non-drinking purposes.
7. How did the residents respond to the idea of
rainwater harvesting and other eco-friendly initiatives?
Answer:
While there was initial hesitation, residents eventually
embraced the initiatives after understanding the long-
term benefits for the environment and their community.
8. What role does the sewage treatment plant play in the
community’s water conservation efforts?
Answer:
The sewage treatment plant processes wastewater,
which is then reused for gardening and other non-
potable needs, reducing the overall water consumption.
9. What advice would you give to other residential
societies planning to implement similar eco-friendly
measures?
Answer:
The key is to start with small, manageable projects,
involve all stakeholders, and remain consistent in
efforts. Raising awareness and providing practical
demonstrations can help overcome initial resistance.
10. How does Roseland Residency plan to expand its
water conservation efforts in the future?
Answer:
The community plans to continue improving existing
systems and exploring additional ways to enhance water
sustainability, ensuring long-term benefits for residents
and the environment.
Detailed Analysis of
the Project :-
Water conservation is not just a necessity but a
responsibility that demands collective effort at
individual, community, and global levels. By adopting
sustainable water use practices and innovative
solutions, we can address water scarcity challenges and
ensure the availability of this precious resource for
generations to come. A focused and collaborative
approach will pave the way for a water-secure future.
Following are some detailed methods of Water
Conservations, some of which were implemented by
Roseland Society as well: -
1. Household Water Conservation Methods
Rainwater Harvesting: Collecting and storing rainwater
for domestic use, gardening, or groundwater recharge.
Fixing Leaks: Repairing leaking taps, pipes, and tanks
to prevent water wastage.
Water-Saving Fixtures: Installing low-flow taps,
showerheads, and dual-flush toilets to reduce water
usage.
Greywater Recycling: Reusing water from sinks,
showers, and washing machines for non-potable
purposes like irrigation.
Efficient Washing: Using water-efficient washing
machines and dishwashers, and running them only with
full loads.
2. Community-Level Water Conservation
Groundwater Recharge: Building recharge pits, check
dams, and trenches to increase groundwater levels.
Desilting Water Bodies: Removing silt from ponds,
lakes, and rivers to increase water storage capacity.
Afforestation: Planting trees and creating green cover to
increase water retention in the soil.
Wastewater Treatment: Treating municipal wastewater
and reusing it for non-potable purposes like irrigation.
Last year, we visited a farm for our XIth EVS Project.
We noticed that water conservation can be agricultural
as well: -
Agricultural Water Conservation Methods
Drip Irrigation: Delivering water directly to plant roots
through pipes, minimizing evaporation and wastage.
Sprinkler Irrigation: Using sprinklers for uniform water
distribution in fields, reducing runoff.
Rainwater Harvesting in Fields: Collecting rainwater in
farm ponds for irrigation during dry periods.
Mulching: Covering soil with organic or plastic
materials to retain moisture and reduce evaporation.
Crop Rotation and Selection: Choosing crops suited to
local climate and water availability to reduce water
demand.
Apart from the above methods, awareness and
behavioural changes can help in water conservation as
well: -
Educating Communities: Conducting workshops and
campaigns to promote responsible water usage.
Rainwater Harvesting Awareness: Encouraging
individuals and societies to adopt rainwater collection
systems.
Reducing Water Footprint: Using water consciously by
turning off taps when not in use and avoiding
excessive usage.
Here are some Important cases which make Water
Conservation a more obvious and better approach :-
Roseland Residency, Pune
Implemented rainwater harvesting to reduce
dependency on municipal water and tankers.
Built a sewage treatment plant to recycle
wastewater for gardening.
Conducted plantation drives to improve
groundwater retention.
Johads in Rajasthan
Traditional water conservation structures increased
water availability for irrigation.
Helped replenish groundwater levels in arid
regions.
Drip Irrigation in Maharashtra
Farmers adopted drip irrigation to reduce water
wastage and increase crop yield.
Contributed to better water management
and soil health.
Result and
Conclusion: -
The implementation of water conservation methods has
proven to be highly effective in managing and
sustaining water resources. Case studies like Roseland
Residency and traditional practices such as Johads in
Rajasthan demonstrate that simple yet strategic
measures can lead to significant results
Water conservation is a critical step toward addressing
the global water crisis and ensuring a sustainable future.
By implementing a mix of traditional and modern
techniques, we can conserve water effectively while
supporting ecosystems and human livelihoods.
Successful projects highlight the importance of
community involvement, government support, and
innovative solutions.
