Coimbatore Collector urges local bodies to speed up rainwater harvesting works

Coimbatore District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar has urged all local bodies in the district to speed up inspection and revival of rainwater harvesting structures and groundwater recharge facilities ahead of the next spell of rainfall.At a review meeting held at the Collectorate on Friday (November 13), he directed officials of the Corporation, municipalities, town panchayats and village panchayats to ensure that existing structures were functional and properly maintained.According to a senior official, 300 supply channels leading to ponds have been widened, 50 new ponds created and 150 existing ponds rejuvenated in the rural areas of the district this year. As many as 94 defunct borewells have also been identified for conversion into recharge shafts. The plan is to establish at least three such shafts in each of the district’s 235 village panchayats this year.The survey of rainwater harvesting facilities in all government buildings in rural areas is under way and is expected to be completed next week, the official said.Meanwhile, the Coimbatore Corporation has surveyed 1,43,606 buildings across its five zones to assess the condition of existing systems.The Collector said some existing structures in government and private institutions, residential buildings and commercial establishments were non-functional or needed repairs. He urged officials to restore them promptly, monitor their condition and spread public awareness on rainwater harvesting to improve groundwater recharge during the northeast monsoon. Published - November 14, 2026 07:47 pm IST