With the objective of harvesting rainwater and replenishing the ground water table, members of Raja Annamalaipuram Residents Association (RAPRA) have put up two rainwater harvesting wells — one on Fourth Cross Street and the other on First Main Road. The underground wells have been sunk on walkers’ pathways, but they won’t cause walkers any hindrance, say residents. The wells have been sunk to a depth of 15 feet and a width of 3.5 feet. Dr. R. Chandrasekaran, founder, RAPRA, says, “Rainwater from stormwater drains will be harvested in the wells, thereby replenishing the ground water table.” The exercise seems to have already yielded results for residents of Acharya Apartments, located on Fourth Cross Street. S. Ramanathan of Acharya Apartments, says, “Nearly a decade ago, I had sunk a rainwater harvesting well for a depth of 15-feet on the premises of the apartments. The rainwater pipes on the terrace are connected to these wells. For a depth of eight-feet, pebble stones have been placed to cleanse the water before it is let through underground pipes to the main well. Till now, we have not had to deal with the problem of water scarcity.” The wells have been constructed at a cost of Rs. 20,000 each with contributions from members of the association and residents. Not a single drop of water is wasted at the apartment. The wells can be cleaned once in two years at a nominal price, Ramanathan points out. The works were carried out after obtaining the necessary permission from Greater Chennai Corporation. K. Nataraj, Mylapore MLA, supported us in executing the project, says Dr. Chandrasekaran. Nataraj says, “In Mylapore, we have identified more than 100 places to set up such wells. Apart from replenishing the groundwater table, they will help prevent flooding. The wells can be sunk to a depth of 15-feet.” prevent flooding. The wells can be sunk to a depth of 15-feet.”

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