NEW DELHI: The waterlogging menace in the city can easily be converted into a solution for recharging ground water.

For example, 2,000 square metres at Sainik Farms gets waterlogged regularly. The Central Ground Board (CGWB) estimates that the recharge potential of this area is 6.3 lakh litres annually, enough to meet the demands of 17 people for an entire year.

Even a short spell of rain leaves the low-lying areas in the city and farmhouses, which are one of the biggest users of ground water, waterlogged.

Here’s a simple Times Solution to simultaneously end the problem of waterlogging and recharging ground waler.

STEP 1: Resident welfare associations can approach agencies like the CGWB, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and Delhi Jal Board (DJB).

STEP 2: Experts will visit the affected area. Depending on the open space available, they will make a plan.

STEP 3: Since the harvesting structures have to be made on public land. it is better to involve the Delhi Municipal Corporation, Delhi Development Authority or the New Delhi Municipal Council in a partnership with the community. These agencies have funds for installing water-harvesting structures.

STEP 4: Appoint a contractor for implementing the plan.

STEP 5: A tank will be dug at a place from where water can flow into it. The dimensions of the tank will depend on the monsoon run off generated in the area. A filter chamber consisting of layers of sand, gravel and boulders will be made at the bottom of the tank. If the water table is low, a tubewell will be dug in the centre of the tank. The tubewell is usually 10 to 20 metres deep. The pit will be covered with detachable slabs.

STEP 6: After getting filtered, the water will flow into the aquifers. THE COST: The expenses incurred will depend on the volume of water getting collected during rains at a place. CGWB says the cost would be anywhere between Rs 10,000 and Rs 30,000.

Centre for Science and Environment: 41, Tughlakabad Institutional Area, New Delhi-110062. Tel: 6081 110, 6081124.

Delhi Jal Board: Rain water harvesting assistance cell Varunalaya1, Karol Bagh, New Delhi-110005. Tel: 367838082 extn 246, 240.

Central Ground Water Board: Jamnagar House, Man Singh Road, Gallery no 18/11. Tel: 3384355, 3073092.