Rainwater harvesting in the Wake of Climate Change: A Case Study from Shimla city, Himachal Pradesh

Journal Title: Universal Journal of Environmental Research and Technology - Year 2012, Vol 2, Issue 4

Abstract

Shimla city depends mainly on surface water, available in the form of springs, streams and piped rivulets to fulfill its water demand. With rapid development of the city along with the ever increasing tourist inflow, there is a change in the trend of urbanization, which is highly water intensive. Earlier, the water supply system was meant to support a small population, but the population has now increased many folds. The city faces water shortage in every summer leading to huge demand and supply gap. The sources of water are located quite far from the city and mainly tapped from five main sources namely, Dhalli catchment area, Cherot Nallah, Chair Nallah, Nauti Khad (Gumma) and Ashwani Khad. In the face of changing climate, rainwater harvesting (RWH) could be seen as a promising solution to deal with the urban water demand. However, in Shimla city, roof top harvesting is the best way to collect rainwater and then storing it into the reservoirs (either overhead or underground) for further use. From the present study it has been observed that, the city is suitable for rainwater harvesting as it has the required potential for it and receives a good amount of rainfall during rainy season (from June-September), which constitutes almost 70% of the total rainfall in the region. Therefore, RWH can be a viable option to preserve water for the scarce period in the city. It is also necessary now, to educate people and make them aware about the potential and benefits of rainwater harvesting in times of acute scarcity.

Authors and Affiliations

Tanu Singh and L. S. Kandari

Keywords

Related Articles

Reforming China’s Water Law through Reforms of the Division of Administrative Functions and Delegation of Ministry Powers and Tasks

Statutory and case law at the provincial and local level provides critical legal frameworks for water management in China. As many provincial and local governments struggle to improve efficiency in water management and...

Adsorption of Chromium (VI) from Aqueous Solution by Using Mangifera indica Bark Dust

Water is the most natural resource and it is essential for all forms of life. Without water man can’t surviv. Due to population explosion, urbanization and industrialization the water is getting polluted day by day unli...

Dyeing of Cotton Fabric with Eco-Friendly Natural Dyes Using Single Mordants: Comparison of Fastness Properties and Colour Strength

Bleached cotton fabric was dyed with natural dyes obtained from the stem of Achrassapota and flower of Spathodeacampanulata. The colour fastness properties and colour strength of dyed cotton fabric were determined and...

Unusual Ozone Build-Up Due to Diwali at Dumdum (22.5oN, 88.5oE), India

Analysis of total ozone column at Dumdum (22.5oN, 88.5oE), India during, before and after Diwali reveals an elevation in total ozone during Diwali and after few days for the period 2000-2010 due to spontaneous bursts in...

Challenges of Climate Change Vis-A-Vis Tactic for Cooling the Earth

Climate change is a world wide reality discussed and debated at every corner of scientific, political and economical forms. However, it can be tackle, if timely mitigation practices widely adopted for cooling the earth...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP31752
  • DOI -
  • Views 304
  • Downloads 1

How To Cite

Tanu Singh and L. S. Kandari (2012). Rainwater harvesting in the Wake of Climate Change: A Case Study from Shimla city, Himachal Pradesh. Universal Journal of Environmental Research and Technology, 2(4), -. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-31752