Sir M Visvesvaraya Rainwater Harvesting Theme Park
The Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) established the Sir M Visvesvaraya Rainwater Harvesting Theme Park at 5th Block Jayanagar, on an area of 1.1 acres in March 2011. This was a joint initiative of the Karnataka State Council for Science and Technology (KSCST), the BWSSB and the CII (Confederation of Indian Industry), in which Biome played an advisory role. The purpose of this was to help educate the citizens about RWH and its benefits and to provide information on water conservation options. Some of the key features of this Theme Park include
1. RWH models
2. Groundwater recharge structures
3. Landscaping options
4. Water gallery
5. Auditorium
RWH Models
These models demonstrate various options available to citizens or institutions who want to install RWH systems. They help visitors learn about how various systems work, so that they can choose the ones which are appropriate to their situation and needs.
Groundwater recharge structures
Excess rainwater that overflows from rainwater storage tanks, and rainwater falling on paved surfaces and open areas (called surface runoff), can be channelled into the ground through ‘recharge’ structures. These structures allow water to percolate into the ground slowly, replenishing the water table. The Theme Park has working models of recharge wells that visitors can see.
Landscaping options
An open landscape can be put to use from a water conservation perspective. This will help prevent soil erosion and allow water to infiltrate into the ground. The Theme Park has models of infiltration trenches, check bunds, permeable pavers, etc.
Auditorium
The auditorium has a capacity to seat 72 people. This facility is used for film shows on the BWSSB and rainwater harvesting / water conservation for visiting groups, and for conducting training programmes for architects, engineers and plumbers.
Water gallery
This gallery has various exhibits like borewell recharge system, RWH model house, human body water content, and food water content. There is a central gallery that depicts how the water situation has changed in Bengaluru over the years.
The RWH Theme Park has a Facebook page where citizens can interact with them.