Legal and Policy Dimensions of Rainwater Harvesting in India: Bridging the Governance Gap for Sustainable Water Security

Abstract

This research critically examines the adequacy of India’s legal and institutional frameworks in mainstreaming rainwater harvesting (RWH) as a sustainable strategy to address groundwater depletion and climate-related water stress. The study applies a doctrinal legal research methodology, supported by comparative case analysis from jurisdictions including Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Sari Lanka. Core data sources include constitutional mandates, environmental legislation, water policy documents, and landmark judicial pronouncements. Findings indicate that while RWH techniques such as percolation tanks, recharge shafts, and rooftop systems significantly improve groundwater quality, soil moisture retention, and community-level water resilience, their implementation remains hampered by fragmented legal mandates, insufficient enforcement mechanisms, and low public engagement. Comparative insights reveal that decentralized, community-driven RWH systems with tailored incentives yield more effective outcomes than top-down approaches. The study recommends a model national legislation on RWH, integration of RWH into environmental impact assessments, and legally backed incentives for adoption in both urban and rural settings. It contributes to the discourse on environmental law by linking legal reform with technical feasibility and participatory governance. Future research should prioritize region-specific policy design, cost-benefit modeling, and the inclusion of traditional water knowledge systems into formal governance.