by Rasika Batra
WHAT’S HAPPENING
- Imagine train stations that double as water sumps. That’s Delhi Metro in its third phase of construction. With the goal of decreasing its carbon footprint and conserving groundwater, every newly built station will have a rainwater harvesting system (TimesOfIndia.com, 3 September 2011).
- Rainwater will be collected not just from the station’s rooftop, but also from the viaducts, the elevated tracks on which the trains run. After being diverted by drainpipes into pits and a filtration tank, the water flows into a well.
- The project also aims to stem the adverse effect that increasing concretization in the city is having on the groundwater level.
WHAT THIS MEANS TO BUSINESS
- Commuters have several reasons to feel good about doing their bit for the environment. Using public transport and knowing that it’s working in favour of the water table is a double incentive.
- As awareness about sustainability spreads, people are beginning to think about their carbon footprint rather seriously, whether in relation to plastic bags, vehicular pollution or wasting water.
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