To ensure that new constructions recharge ground water and avoid waterlogging during rains, the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) passed a notification in 2002 that made it mandatory for any construction of 1,500 sq m or more to install a rainwater harvesting system. But, what about older constructions? Rainwater harvesting is still not very popular in the city. Says SK Pushkarant, chairman of Swagat - 3 society association, "We have a borewell and Narmada water will soon come to our society, so we don't have to spend on this system.' Even in new constructions, some people feel they do not need the system. "We do not use rainwater from the well,' says NA Patel, resident of Sai Kutir. Ami Mankad, co-ordinator of Pravah, laments, "Concern for the environment is lacking in society and people do not think about the future. A rainwater harvesting system is a long-term plan. It is like an investment, which is vital today, keeping in mind the water crisis in the country.' The problem lies in conveying the idea and its importance to each and every member of a society. "Just two or three people are taking such initiatives but all are not ready to pay for such a system as they get sufficient water from the municipality,' says Sushil Bidadiya, who lives in Asawari Tower. Over the past 10 years, there have been several awareness programmes held, and models are also available. But, the rule should be made mandatory for all constructions, says Prof Shrinivas Mudrakartha, former director of Viksat. "Annual monitoring of the systems in new constructions is also very important. Also, the government should provide incentives to encourage people to adopt rainwater harvesting,' he adds. A city resident points to the rainwater harvesting structure put up at his place