Section 31. Rain water harvesting, groundwater recharge and catchment conservation

(1) The Appropriate Authorities shall encourage rainwater harvesting and catchment conservation as per geological conditions which should be integral part of Water Security Plans. The Appropriate Authorities shall sensitize different users of ground water about the suitable technologies of rainwater harvesting systems in stressed urban and rural areas. Users of ground water may obtain suitable technical drawing and design of Rain Water Harvesting System from the Appropriate Authorities. They shall undertake all possible steps in integrated natural resources conservation, use and regulation for the augmentation of groundwater resources within its jurisdiction, through integration and convergence of all natural resources relating to developmental schemes and projects. (2) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any other law of the State for the time being in force, the Municipal Water Management Committee shall impose stipulated conditions under existing building by-laws for providing rooftop rainwater harvesting structures, duly issued by the State Government by notification. Such stipulations shall be binding on concerned Government agencies sanctioning or approving building plans. The provision of Combined Recharge System for group housing/colonies shall also be made mandatory under building by-laws. (3) Catchment conservation shall include appropriate groundwater conservation and recharge structures depending on the nature of the terrain/soil condition/geology of the area.