Mumbai Innovator Solves Water Crisis with Ingenious Rainwater Harvesting System

Mar, 27 2025

Tackling Water Scarcity in Urban Landscapes

In a remarkable display of ingenuity, Chetan Soorenji, a resident of Mumbai, tackled persistent water shortages in his community through a clever rainwater harvesting system. This metropolitan area, long suffering from saline water due to over-reliance on deep borewells, found relief through Chetan's innovative thinking.

Historically, the neighborhood drew water from borewells reaching 80 to 100 feet deep. This approach often led to plumbing issues and the nuisance of saline water. Determined to find a better solution, Chetan shifted focus to harvesting rainwater, a plentiful yet underutilized resource in the region.

Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Water Use

Chetan's approach was both low-cost and highly effective. He ingeniously repurposed roofwater by channeling it into a 30-foot borewell, thereby creating a natural percolation pit that recharges the groundwater. This smart technique not only enhances water quality but also increases the availability of water in local borewells.

Another key component of his system involves reusing air conditioner condensate—about 25 to 30 liters daily—to further supplement borewell recharging. Utilizing drainage pipes laid across nearby vacant land, Chetan channels rainwater underground, thus avoiding chemical pollution of the groundwater.

The results have been nothing short of transformative. Chetan's own borewell now boasts a constant water supply, and two neighboring wells have similarly reaped the benefits. Even more impressively, the initiative has breathed new life into previously dry springs, ultimately birthing a small rivulet in the community.

Chetan’s garden flourishes thanks to the harvested rainwater. With passion fruits, mangoes, various vegetables, and vibrant flowering plants grown without chemical fertilizers, it stands as a testament to sustainable living. He argues convincingly for rainwater as the ideal water source, emphasizing that robust storage solutions can be affordable and resource-friendly.

Chetan's project is a beacon of hope, illustrating how grassroots initiatives can make a substantial impact. His model demonstrates the power of sustainable practices to address urban water challenges, showcasing the potential of community-driven solutions for a better, greener future.