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Rainwater harvesting rules · sources up to 2026

Rainwater harvesting rules in Maharashtra

In Maharashtra's urban areas, rainwater harvesting is mandatory for layouts, housing societies and new or rebuilt buildings on plots of 300 sq m or more. The Maharashtra Groundwater Act, 2009 also requires it for roofs over 100 sq m in notified areas. Mumbai requires it for developments of 500 sq m and above under DCPR 2034, and new societies need it to get an Occupation Certificate.

Note: In August 2026 a GR required old buildings seeking new water or drainage connections to show a feasibility report for RWH. The specific UDCPR clause was not verified.

Mandatoryfor new buildings
plots of 300 sq m and above (urban areas); Mumbai: 500 sq m and abovewhere the rule starts
Development control rules (DCPR 2034 for Mumbai; UDCPR elsewhere); Maharashtra Groundwater (Development and Management) Act, 2009the rule

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What the rule says

Applies toresidential, group housing, commercial
If you don'tMumbai and Nagpur: fine of up to Rs 1,000 per year per 100 sq m of built-up area for not maintaining RWH
Rebates and subsidiesPune (PMC): 5% property tax rebate for a working RWH system (FY 2025-26). Mumbai's 5% rebate was rescinded in 2015, and a 2019 re-approval was never implemented.

City rules in Maharashtra

Mumbai (BMC)

Mandatory for developments of 500 sq m+ under DCPR 2034 (from 8 May 2019); earlier 1,000 sq m+ (from 2002). Required for the OC. Fine up to Rs 1,000/yr per 100 sq m built-up.

Pune (PMC)

5% property tax rebate for RWH (10% if combined with solar or vermicomposting); the rebate is revoked if the system stops working.

Nagpur

Mandatory from 2005 for layouts and new construction of 300 sq m+; fine up to Rs 1,000/yr per 100 sq m built-up.

Sources

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

Rainwater harvesting cost in Maharashtra

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Frequently asked questions

Is rainwater harvesting mandatory in Maharashtra?

In Maharashtra's urban areas, rainwater harvesting is mandatory for layouts, housing societies and new or rebuilt buildings on plots of 300 sq m or more. The Maharashtra Groundwater Act, 2009 also requires it for roofs over 100 sq m in notified areas. Mumbai requires it for developments of 500 sq m and above under DCPR 2034, and new societies need it to get an Occupation Certificate.

Which buildings need rainwater harvesting in Maharashtra?

plots of 300 sq m and above (urban areas); Mumbai: 500 sq m and above: residential, group housing, commercial.

What is the penalty for not having rainwater harvesting in Maharashtra?

Mumbai and Nagpur: fine of up to Rs 1,000 per year per 100 sq m of built-up area for not maintaining RWH

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

Pune (PMC): 5% property tax rebate for a working RWH system (FY 2025-26). Mumbai's 5% rebate was rescinded in 2015, and a 2019 re-approval was never implemented.

What are the rainwater harvesting rules in Mumbai (BMC)?

Mandatory for developments of 500 sq m+ under DCPR 2034 (from 8 May 2019); earlier 1,000 sq m+ (from 2002). Required for the OC. Fine up to Rs 1,000/yr per 100 sq m built-up.

What are the rainwater harvesting rules in Pune (PMC)?

5% property tax rebate for RWH (10% if combined with solar or vermicomposting); the rebate is revoked if the system stops working.

What are the rainwater harvesting rules in Nagpur?

Mandatory from 2005 for layouts and new construction of 300 sq m+; fine up to Rs 1,000/yr per 100 sq m built-up.

Rules in other states