Gurugram, 9 June 2026: As part of ongoing monsoon preparedness initiatives, Principal Advisor, Urban Development, Government of Haryana, Shri D.S. Dhesi, chaired a review meeting with Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) of Gurugram to assess the operational status and effectiveness of rainwater harvesting systems (RHS) installed in group housing societies.
The meeting was attended by District Town Planner (DTP), GMDA, R.S. Batth; Superintending Engineer, GMDA, Sudhir Ransliwal; Hydrologist, Haryana Irrigation and Water Resources Department, Dalvir Singh Rana; officials from the Irrigation Department, and representatives from more than 30 RWAs of group housing societies spread over 20 acres and above.
This was the third such meeting held over the past six months with RWAs to ensure that adequate rainwater harvesting infrastructure has been established within their premises and is functioning as per prescribed norms to effectively manage stormwater during the monsoon season.
During the meeting, Shri Dhesi took stock of the existing rainwater harvesting infrastructure available in various group housing societies. He stressed that with the monsoon season approaching, any deficiencies or operational gaps in the systems must be addressed without delay to ensure their optimum performance during periods of heavy rainfall.
Hydrologist Dalvir Rana informed that a properly designed and maintained rainwater harvesting system has the potential to facilitate infiltration of approximately 25 litres of water per second, thereby significantly reducing surface runoff and pressure on the city’s drainage network.
Shri Dhesi directed all RWAs to ensure that rainwater harvesting pits and associated structures are thoroughly cleaned and maintained so that water can percolate efficiently through the system. He further instructed that rainwater accumulated on rooftops should also be channelised into the rainwater harvesting pits, enabling maximum utilisation of the installed infrastructure.
It was also highlighted during the meeting that inspection visits to review the functioning of rainwater harvesting systems have already been undertaken by DTP, GMDA, Shri R.S. Batth, across various group housing societies. Continuous follow-up and monitoring are being carried out in coordination with RWA representatives to ensure compliance with the prescribed standards.
To further strengthen preparedness, directions were issued for all RWAs to conduct mock drills to assess the operational efficacy of their rainwater harvesting systems. Shri Dhesi stated that water should be released into the pits to verify whether the systems are functioning efficiently and facilitating proper groundwater recharge.
R.S. Batth, DTP, GMDA, informed that a joint mock drill will be organised by GMDA and the Irrigation Department, along with the Hydrologist, in one selected group housing society. The exercise will serve as a demonstration model to establish a standard operating practice that can subsequently be replicated by all RWAs while conducting mock drills within their respective societies.
Concluding the meeting, Shri Dhesi emphasised that with the onset of the monsoon season, all RWAs must proactively gear up to ensure that their societies are adequately equipped to manage stormwater effectively. He added that efficient functioning of rainwater harvesting systems within residential complexes would play a crucial role in curbing the discharge of excess rainwater onto city roads and contribute significantly towards Gurugram’s overall monsoon resilience.
