JR Greenwich Layout, an 18-acre residential layout in Kodathi in Southeast Bengaluru, was constructed in 2015 with 180 plots and approximately 400 residents. The layout falls under the Bengaluru Urban District, but is not a part of BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike), and therefore does not receive Cauvery water. Water requirements for the layout are 60 KLD (Kilo Litres per Day) at 150 litres per person per day, supplied by two borewells that yield water at 1200 ft depth with an output of 40-50 KLD for 6 hours daily. The water deficit was made up by buying two water tankers of 12,000 litres daily for Rs. 1400/- each. The layout was managed by the builder till 2018 and by the Residents Welfare Association (RWA) since 2019.
In February 2019, the layout occupancy increased from 70 to 90 occupied villas, and the layout faced a severe water crisis. Extra water tankers were required, often unavailable even at double the price. This was a wake-up call to the RWA, and sustainability enthusiasts among the residents took the initiative to understand and implement water sustainability best practices.
The RWA attended a presentation by Biome Environmental Trust at the neighbouring Rainbow Drive Layout (a layout that is water-self-sufficient without BBMP support). They learnt about recharge wells and other best practices, and consulted the well-digger Krishna to understand how and where to dig recharge wells, and how many to dig. The initiatives were implemented, and today, the layout is entirely water-self-sufficient, with a community committed to water replenishment, conservation, and mindful usage.
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Measures Taken |
Results Achieved |
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Dug 29 recharge wells at individual villas and 8 in common areas |
Borewell yield has increased to 40,000 litres per day from the earlier 20,000 litres per day |
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No decline in the borewell water yield during the summers |
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Eliminated the need for water tankers |
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Installed aerators in every villa to reduce water flow |
Online notices sent to the villas consuming higher than baseline water |
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Installed meters to measure water consumption per villa |
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Water supply restricted to alternate days |
Mindful usage of water by the layout community |
“It was a splendid journey of implementing sustainable water management practices in our layout. We received complaints when we decided to supply water only on alternate days, but residents accepted the RWA decision soon after. Creating awareness of water sustainability among residents is key. We are glad residents came forward to dig recharge wells at individual villas. Recharge wells have benefitted us immensely, and we do not require water tankers after our initiatives. We look forward to digging recharge wells in each villa.” ~ Santhosh, ex-RWA, JR Greenwich Layout.
Detailed version of the case study
Video of JR Greenwich Layout water conservation:
