A two day Workshop on Rain-water Harvesting, Jala Sangrah Shibir, was organized jointly by pan-IIT alumni of Mumbai and Maharashtra Nature Park on the 6th & 7th December 2003. Shri Mohan Dharia, Ex Dy. Chairman, Planning Commission delivered the inaugural address and Shri Rajendra Singh of Tarun Bharat Sangh also addressed the Workshop. The keynote address was delivered by Shri V. Ranganathan, Ex-Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra. Concluding remarks were made by Prof. Ashok Misra, Director, IIT Bombay. Many leading national institutes working in the area of water conservation in different parts of the country participated in the Workshop, including CSE(Delhi), Dhan Foundation(Madurai), Vanarai(Pune), CPR Environmental Education Trust(Chennai). As many as 500 enthusiastic participants attended the Workshop. At the end of the two day deliberations, the participants passed the resolution titled Powai Jal Sandharan Sankalp - 2003.

Powai Jal Sandharan Sankalp - 2003 [ Powai Water Conservation Pledge 2003] We, the water warriors, coming from different walks of life and from different parts of the country having gathered together at Powai on the 6th and 7th of Dec. 2003 with a sense of deep concern over the growing imbalance between the demand and supply of water leading to recurring devastating water crises in the country and drawing inspiration from the various projects across the country which have achieved tremendous success in the optimal utilization of water resources are resolved to think globally, act locally and respond personally in the manner indicated hereinbelow : The key to water resources management is in situ conservation of water through locally managed, decentralized systems as far as possible. A massive public awareness and education campaign should, therefore be taken up using electronic and print media and permanent exhibits to make people aware of the importance of Rainwater Harvesting and the ease with which it can be done. There should be networking of all agencies working in Rainwater Harvesting; Rainwater Harvesting Cell cum Advisory Service should be set up in all cities and at all district headquarters. A manual on Rainwater Harvesting should be prepared in English and Indian languages and disseminated widely. A large number of engineers, architects, masons, plumbers and contractors should be trained so that they can undertake Rainwater Harvesting measures with confidence and precision. Rainwater Harvesting should be incorporated in the curricula of all schools and colleges and in all training programmes of public functionaries. The Central, State and local Governments should take active measures to promote, assist and accelerate Rainwater Harvesting and should execute rainwater harvesting in all public buildings and public places on a campaign basis. This would have an excellent demonstration effect. A part of the funds for local development allotted to elected representatives should be earmarked for Rainwater Harvesting. An appropriate rebate in Municipal Taxes should be given to all buildings harvesting rainwater. All water supply should be metered. Water rates should be increased and fixed on an exponential basis. Rainwater Harvesting should be made obligatory with immediate effect in all buildings under construction and within a period of two years in all existing buildings. In order to promote and achieve Rainwater Harvesting on a sustainable basis, Rainwater Harvesting Fund and Rainwater Harvesting Research Fund should be established. Awards should be instituted for rewarding and showcasing outstanding performance by individuals and institutions.