NEW DELHI: With rainwater harvesting success stories on the increase, the focus has now shifted to training more people who will in turn help in establishing rainwater harvesting (RWH) techniques.

Taking a lead in this direction, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), which is engaged in creating awareness about community-based rainwater harvesting and in designing projects, has now intensified its training programme to create a pool of experts.

"The number of individuals and organisations opting for rainwater harvesting is increasing, but there is a shortage of experts. At the CSE we are trying to train more people in RWH techniques so that they in turn can help more people design their harvesting projects," said R.K. Srinivasan of the CSE.

"There are a number of agencies like the CSE, the Central Ground Water Board among others who train people, but the demand for experts to help with RWH has gone up," he said, adding that the CSE had developed 21 models projects across the Capital and conducted training workshop for different group of stakeholders, including engineers, non-government organisations, water professionals, civic bodies, residents' welfare associations and policy makers.

Training

"We are targeting engineers, architects and planners who will in turn help in designing and establishing RWH systems and educating the masses about their benefits," he said.

The training includes hands-on workshops, interactive seminars, detailed case studies, field trips and classroom instructions.

"We regularly interact with schools, colleges, industries and even individuals to encourage them to opt for RWH systems. In fact, of the 21 models that we have set up in the city so far, the harvesting projects designed by the CSE bagged most of the top awards at the Chief Minister's Best Rain Harvester Awards 2006. Six of the nine awards were won by the CSE's model projects," Mr. Srinivasan said.

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