Which of the following characteristics of rainwater harvesting are correct?

(A) It is a method to capture and store rainwater
(B) It is complicated and requires huge finances
(C) It is an eco-friendly technique
(D) It can be done by harvesting rainwater on rooftops and open spaces

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(A), (C) and (D) Only

The correct answer is Option (2) → (A), (C) and (D) Only

Rainwater harvesting is a method to capture and store rainwater (A) for various uses. It is also used to recharge groundwater aquifers. It is a low cost (B is incorrect) and eco-friendly technique (C)  for preserving every drop of water by guiding the rain water to borewell, pits and wells. Rainwater harvesting increases water availability, checks the declining groundwater table, improves the quality of groundwater through dilution of contaminants, like fluoride and nitrates, prevents soil erosion, and flooding and arrests salt water intrusion in coastal areas if used to recharge aquifers.

There is a wide scope to use rainwater harvesting technique to conserve precious water resource. It can be done by harvesting rainwater on rooftops and open spaces (D). Harvesting rainwater also decreases the community dependence on groundwater for domestic use. Besides bridging the demandsupply gap, it can also save energy to pump groundwater as recharge leads to rise in groundwater table.