New Delhi, April 21 -- The Delhi government has made rainwater harvesting (RWH) mandatory across the city, with water minister Parvesh Verma chairing a high-level meeting at the Delhi Secretariat on Monday to outline enforcement measures, timelines and financial incentives. Under an existing financial assistance scheme, consumers with plots of 100 square metres and above are eligible for subsidies for installing rooftop RWH systems. For plots between 100 and 499.99 sqm, assistance is capped at 50% of the cost or Rs.25,000, whichever is lower, while for plots of 500 sqm and above, the cap increases to Rs.50,000. To further incentivise adoption, the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) is offering a 10% rebate on water bills for functional systems, which increases to 15% if both rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling systems are installed. Non-compliance may attract penalties, including a 1.5-times increase in water bills and disconnection of supply in persistent cases. Verma said rainwater harvesting in government establishments must be implemented in a serious and time-bound manner. Failure to comply will invite strict action, including an initial 10% cut; if lapses continue, the connection will be disconnected. Verma said Delhi receives adequate rainfall but lacks effective conservation mechanisms. "For four months every year, rainwater flows through our drains and goes to waste. If we channel this water into the ground, we can recharge our groundwater and reduce the crisis we face every summer," he said while addressing officials during a meeting on Monday. Departments were directed to ensure installation and functionality of RWH systems in government buildings, parks, residential colonies and institutional campuses before the onset of the monsoon. The minister added that departments have been given time-bound targets and accountability measures. "Every department has been assigned responsibility. First, government buildings must lead by example. If systems are not installed, they must be put in place immediately," Verma said....