Nisha Achuthan
For a new home buyer, there are so many concerns to address during their entire journey from discovery of project/locality until possession. Often, home buyers end up overlooking the issues with water source and supply, waste management, and sewage treatment. It is important for home buyers to understand the impact of flushing waste into local water bodies or dumping garbage in the nearest village.
Water is already a scarce commodity – Harsh realities regarding the misuse and gross wastage of water are staring us in the face. Apartments and independent citizens are joining hands to conserve water, reduce leakage, and protect local water bodies. Conservation and proper use begins in homes and the following aspects should be considered by every apartment association.
- Ask about water supply sources. Does the apartment get water from borewell, municipal water connection or water tankers? Are there multiple sources that can be utilized as back up if there is a need? Are these sources sustainable?
- Is there a dedicated water management team?
- Are there water-intensive aspects like landscaped gardens that utilize too much water?
- Is there a rainwater harvesting system to conserve water?
- Water recycling and reuse where possible;
- Individual metering for every house;
- Are there effective maintenance systems in place for borewell and other sources of water?
- Efficient bathroom fixtures in bathrooms to minimise leakage;
Sewage Treatment
Sewage production is reaching staggeringly large volumes. For instance, in Bengaluru alone it is estimated that 110 crore litres of sewage are generated every single day. Over 60% of the same is released into adjoining water bodies, polluting them beyond imagination. This scenario is an eventuality for every city or town that doesn’t treat the sewage it produces. Home buyers have a responsibility towards ensuring that developers work with government agencies for better management of waste.
Add these questions to the list of queries to be discussed with the apartment associations or developers.
- What is the sewage emission process followed in the apartment complex? How does it impact the environment?
- Is the Society complying with legal regulations regarding sewage treatment plants, if any?
- Is waste water being re-purposed for gardening, washing vehicles and other uses?
- Is there a system in place for sewage treatment plant?
- Is there a dedicated team in charge of maintaining the sewage treatment plant?
Development is costing us the very environment that supports our lives. The rational step to safeguard our collective future is to exercise a little bit of caution and make minimal changes to our local environments that can go a long way to create a sustainable future.