Co-op Bank Colony in Nagole Sets Benchmark for Rainwater Harvesting in Hyderabad

A residential colony in Nagole has emerged as a model for urban water conservation, with around 80% of households in Co-op Bank Colony adopting rooftop rainwater harvesting systems, helping improve groundwater availability and demonstrating how community-led initiatives can strengthen long-term water security.

To showcase the colony's success and encourage similar initiatives across the city, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB), in association with the Co-op Bank Colony Residents' Welfare Association (RWA) and SEED NGO, organised an awareness rally and public meeting on Thursday to promote rainwater harvesting.

Located south of the Musi River in Nagole village, Co-op Bank Colony comprises around 400 houses. In 2012, following a request from the colony's Residents' Welfare Association, HMWSSB's groundwater experts provided technical guidance and conducted awareness programmes, encouraging residents to install rainwater harvesting structures in every household.

The initiative resulted in nearly 80% of homes diverting rooftop rainwater into groundwater recharge structures. According to HMWSSB, the initiative has significantly improved borewell water availability after the monsoon while helping maintain stable groundwater levels.

Residents have also voluntarily agreed not to drill new borewells beyond a depth of 60 metres, following recommendations from HMWSSB groundwater experts. The RWA continues to encourage owners of newly constructed houses to install rainwater harvesting systems and avoid excessive borewell depths.

To further strengthen groundwater recharge, HMWSSB constructed three community rainwater harvesting structures in common areas of the colony under its 100-Day Action Plan in 2016. Residents have also undertaken extensive plantation drives, increasing green cover and contributing to a cooler local environment during summer.

HMWSSB officials stated that the success of Co-op Bank Colony should serve as a model for other residential colonies across Hyderabad, urging residents to adopt rainwater harvesting systems to conserve groundwater, ensure water security for future generations and support sustainable urban development.