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Free check · Tamil Nadu · sources up to 2015

Is rainwater harvesting mandatory for your building in Tamil Nadu?

Mandatory for all buildings (no size threshold). Answer a few questions about your plot to see whether it applies to you.

Building

Common buildings in Tamil Nadu

The answer for typical plots, new buildings, roof taken as 70% of the plot. Use the checker for your own sizes.

BuildingAnswer
House on a 100 sq yd (gaj) plotMandatory
House on a 200 sq yd plotMandatory
House on a 300 sq yd plotMandatory
Villa on a 500 sq yd plotMandatory
Apartment block on 1,500 m²Mandatory
Shop or office on 400 m²Mandatory
School on 4,000 m²Mandatory
Factory on 10,000 m²Check locally

For an existing building, tick the box in the checker: most rules are written for new buildings.

The rule in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu requires rainwater harvesting in every building, new and existing, public and private, with no size threshold. This rule dates from 2003. If an owner doesn't install it, the local body can install it and recover the cost like property tax, and the water connection can be cut until it is in place. In Chennai, Metrowater gives no new water or sewer connection without RWH.

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Rainwater harvesting cost in Tamil Nadu

Pick your district for the price of a recharge system for your building.

Frequently asked questions

Is rainwater harvesting mandatory in Tamil Nadu?

Mandatory for all buildings (no size threshold). Tamil Nadu requires rainwater harvesting in every building, new and existing, public and private, with no size threshold. This rule dates from 2003. If an owner doesn't install it, the local body can install it and recover the cost like property tax, and the water connection can be cut until it is in place. In Chennai, Metrowater gives no new water or sewer connection without RWH.

Is rainwater harvesting mandatory for a 200 gaj house in Tamil Nadu?

Yes, rainwater harvesting is mandatory for your building. Tamil Nadu Municipal Laws Ordinance/Amendment Act, 2003; G.O. Ms. No. 56 (MA&WS), 21 Jul 2003 amending the TN District Municipalities Building Rules 1972 and Multi-storeyed and Public Building Rules 1973 covers every new house in Tamil Nadu, whatever its size. If you skip it: The authority can install RWH and recover the cost plus expenses as property tax. Water supply can be disconnected until RWH is provided. New water and sewer connections are refused without RWH.

What is the penalty for not having rainwater harvesting in Tamil Nadu?

The authority can install RWH and recover the cost plus expenses as property tax. Water supply can be disconnected until RWH is provided. New water and sewer connections are refused without RWH.

How do I check if my building in Tamil Nadu needs rainwater harvesting?

Enter your plot area, roof area and number of floors in the checker on this page, in square feet, square yards (gaj) or square metres. It compares them with Tamil Nadu's rule, Tamil Nadu Municipal Laws Ordinance/Amendment Act, 2003; G.O. Ms. No. 56 (MA&WS), 21 Jul 2003 amending the TN District Municipalities Building Rules 1972 and Multi-storeyed and Public Building Rules 1973, and tells you whether it applies and why.

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