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Rainwater harvesting rules · sources up to 2018

Rainwater harvesting rules in Kerala

The Kerala Municipality Building Rules require workable rooftop rainwater harvesting in new buildings. For houses, this applies where the floor area is 100 sq m or more and the plot is 200 sq m or more. Other building groups (commercial, institutional and listed industrial types) have no size threshold. Exemptions may apply where waterlogging is common or the subsoil is impermeable.

Note: KMBR 2019 may have changed the numbering or thresholds; not verified.

Mandatoryfor new buildings
residential: floor area 100 sq m+ and plot 200 sq m+; other occupancies: all new buildingswhere the rule starts
Kerala Municipality Building Rules, 1999 - rule 109A, inserted by the KMBR (Amendment) Rules, 2004 (later 2009 rules carry it forward)the rule

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What the rule says

Applies toresidential, commercial, institutional, industrial
Rebates and subsidiesOlder subsidy programmes via Kerala Water Authority/Jalanidhi (c. 2007); current status not confirmed

City rules in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram

In 2018 the district required rain pits (at least 2 sq m) in all houses, and no new permits were issued for houses on plots above 200 sq m without water harvesting under KMBR 109(A).

Sources

Rules change and cities add their own. Check with your municipal body or development authority before you build.

Rainwater harvesting cost in Kerala

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Frequently asked questions

Is rainwater harvesting mandatory in Kerala?

The Kerala Municipality Building Rules require workable rooftop rainwater harvesting in new buildings. For houses, this applies where the floor area is 100 sq m or more and the plot is 200 sq m or more. Other building groups (commercial, institutional and listed industrial types) have no size threshold. Exemptions may apply where waterlogging is common or the subsoil is impermeable.

Which buildings need rainwater harvesting in Kerala?

residential: floor area 100 sq m+ and plot 200 sq m+; other occupancies: all new buildings: residential, commercial, institutional, industrial.

Is there a subsidy or rebate for rainwater harvesting in Kerala?

Older subsidy programmes via Kerala Water Authority/Jalanidhi (c. 2007); current status not confirmed

What are the rainwater harvesting rules in Thiruvananthapuram?

In 2018 the district required rain pits (at least 2 sq m) in all houses, and no new permits were issued for houses on plots above 200 sq m without water harvesting under KMBR 109(A).

Rules in other states