Navigating Water Crisis: Innovations, Sustainability, and Developer Initiatives Leading the Way 

By: Sujay Kalele, Founder, TRU Realty

escalating water crisis of alarming proportions. Despite commendable efforts to combat this predicament through initiatives such as rainwater harvesting and water conservation campaigns, the populace continues to grapple with significant challenges in fulfilling their daily water requirements. At the heart of the issue lies the excessive extraction of groundwater post-monsoon, leading to the depletion of reserves and a rapid decline in water tables. Compounding this problem is the shrinking storage capacity of reservoirs, exacerbating the city’s water woes. Presently, Pune’s dams languish at a mere 45.90 percent of their total capacity, holding just 13.38 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic Feet) of water—a stark decrease from last year’s figures of 54.17 percent and 15.80 TMC.

Amidst this urgent crisis, developers must emerge as beacons of innovation and sustainability, proactively addressing water scarcity through pioneering solutions. One such solution involves the integration of two water meters in each bungalow unit: one for green water and another for gray water.

Green water encompasses fresh water used for drinking and culinary purposes, essential for human consumption. Conversely, gray water comprises wastewater generated from domestic activities such as bathing, laundry, and dishwashing. While unsuitable for drinking, gray water can undergo treatment and be repurposed for tasks like toilet flushing and landscape irrigation, thereby reducing the strain on freshwater sources.

The implementation of separate water meters for green and gray water not only promotes efficient water usage but also aligns with sustainable principles. By delineating between potable and non-potable water sources, residents can be incentivized to prioritize the use of gray water for appropriate tasks, thus conserving precious freshwater resources. Moreover, the adoption of tiered pricing, with gray water priced at approximately one-fourth of the cost of green water, will encourage residents to embrace eco-friendly practices while simultaneously trimming their utility expenses.

TRU Realty, a Pune-based developer, exemplifies this commitment by installing two water meters as well as leveraging natural topography to construct reservoirs capable of capturing rainwater during the monsoon season. Their project, Kekarav, features a reservoir designed to store 70% of the project’s annual water consumption, providing a significant buffer against water scarcity. Moreover, strategically placed recharge points within the project area facilitate groundwater replenishment, contributing to sustainable water resource management. The implementation of smart taps and IoT-enabled sensors further enhances water efficiency, minimizing wastage within Kekarav’s water management system.

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In conclusion, the water crisis in Pune demands a multifaceted approach, combining innovative solutions with sustainable practices. By embracing initiatives such as dual water metering, rainwater harvesting, and technological interventions, the city can navigate through the current water turmoil towards a more resilient and water-secure future. Developers play a crucial role in spearheading these efforts, paving the way for a greener, more sustainable urban landscape.