In January 2004, Nizamuddin East became one of the first colonies in Delhi to get rainwater harvesting systems (RWH). Over the years, the colony has not only maintained these structures, but also ensured that the municipal corporation is keeping systems set up in three parks in good working condition. The colony is now famous for its model RWH, visited by experts and officials from other states to see how to implement a successful project. The project was conceptual ized by four residents of the area -Admiral Menon, Ashok Dhawan, Rupika Chawla and Raman Grover. Funds were collected from residents and for Rs 1.74 lakh 11 RWH pits were created in the colony parks. “RWH had been made compulsory in 2001 and 2003 was the fourth year of drought in the region. It was, therefore, decided to take up the project and with help from the Centre for Science and Environment and we planned and executed the project,“ said Rahul Sawhny , president of Nizamuddin East Colony Association. Around a year later, the municipal corporation set up an other three RWH structures in three parks. A major reason for the success of the project here is that other than a technically sound design, residents have also maintained it dutifully . “The RWA takes care of the maintenance and we also ensure that the corporation does its job. The National Green Tribunal visited us in December 2014 and appreciated the work we have done.They made certain recommendations which we implemented immediately ,“ said Sawhny . However, the good work being done by the colony can only show results if neighbouring areas take up the project. In January 2005, the groundwater level in the colony was around 24 feet below ground level. In 2010, it went up to 14 feet, resulting in seepage in some basements.However, since then it dropped again to 25 feet in 2012, possibly due to over extraction. Residents hope that latest figures will throw up better results.