Coimbatore Corporation to restore unused wells for groundwater recharge and rainwater harvesting

Coimbatore Corporation has proposed restoring unused wells across the city as part of efforts to support groundwater recharge and implement rainwater harvesting measures.

Corporation officials said a survey has identified 188 unused wells located on public lands. Zone-wise, 39 such wells are in the West Zone, 42 in the East Zone, 60 in the South Zone, 35 in the North Zone and 12 in the Central Zone. The wells will be restored through desilting, cleaning and minor structural works to enable the inflow of rainwater.

Under the plan, rainwater harvested from rooftops of nearby buildings will be channelled to the wells through pipelines after passing through filtration units. The restored wells are expected to function as recharge points during the monsoon and help improve groundwater levels in surrounding areas.

Where multiple buildings fall within a 50-metre radius of a well, a common filtration chamber will be constructed to collect and filter rainwater before it enters the well. For private buildings located near the wells, the Corporation will seek consent from property owners to connect rooftop rainwater outlets to the system.

Officials said field surveys have been conducted over the past four months and the detailed project report has been completed. As part of monitoring measures, water quality will be tested for turbidity, pH, total dissolved solids, hardness and microbial contamination. Tenders for the restoration work have been floated.

Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran said approximately ₹6 crore has been earmarked for the project. He added that Corporation engineers will monitor the wells after restoration to assess recharge performance and ensure safety measures are maintained, taking corrective steps if required.