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Rainwater harvesting rules · sources up to 2015

Rainwater harvesting rules 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.

Mandatoryfor new buildings
all buildings (no size threshold)where the rule starts
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 1973the rule

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What the rule says

Applies toresidential, commercial, government, group housing
If you don'tThe 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.

City rules in Tamil Nadu

Chennai

Building plans are sanctioned only with RWH, and CMWSSB (Metrowater) withholds new water/sewer connections without it.

Madurai

Madurai City Municipal Corporation Building (Water Conservation) Rules, 2002, amended by GO 56 (2003).

Sources

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

Rainwater harvesting cost in Tamil Nadu

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Frequently asked questions

Is rainwater harvesting mandatory 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.

Which buildings need rainwater harvesting in Tamil Nadu?

all buildings (no size threshold): residential, commercial, government, group housing.

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.

What are the rainwater harvesting rules in Chennai?

Building plans are sanctioned only with RWH, and CMWSSB (Metrowater) withholds new water/sewer connections without it.

What are the rainwater harvesting rules in Madurai?

Madurai City Municipal Corporation Building (Water Conservation) Rules, 2002, amended by GO 56 (2003).

Rules in other states