New Delhi, Aug. 28 -- The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has issued fresh guidelines for rainwater harvesting (RWH) in the Capital, warning that new pits should not be built near stormwater drains to prevent groundwater contamination.

In an affidavit to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) WHEN, DJB said a joint expert committee met on July 31 to examine contamination risks linked to RWH structures. The panel recommended that separators be installed to divert the "first flush" of rainwater from entering pits and contaminating aquifers.

The NGT has been hearing a case since February 2023, after a Dwarka resident alleged that RWH pits in the sub-city were polluting groundwater.

A joint inspection in May 2023, involving DJB and Delhi Pollution Contro...