In Chennai, one residents association’s efforts to construct recharge wells, helped minimise waterlogging after rains

The groundwater table also rose with the help of these wells; the association in Kalakshetra Colony hopes to construct 4 more such wells

Rainwater recharge wells in open spaces have helped residents of Kalakshetra Colony, Besant Nagar, to minimise waterlogging in most of their streets this monsoon.

It all started during the late 1990s, when a few residents initiated the campaign to conserve water and construct rainwater recharge wells in the colony. Now, the area has nearly 75 recharge wells on its roads, including on Mahalakshmi Avenue, through the joint efforts of the Kalakshetra Colony Welfare Association and the Greater Chennai Corporation.

Residents, including Sridhar Chaganti and Shanthi Krishnan were instrumental in creating awareness among residents on the significance of harnessing rainwater and constructing RWH structures at houses and open spaces.