Water plays a significant role in our lives since it is a precious natural resource. Over the past few years, there has been an increase of water shortages in several parts of the world. It is vital that ideal measures are put in place to help to reduce the high rate of water loss. With the change in climate patterns, people need to be aware of the alarming water shortage that we face currently and the imminent danger of severe shortage in the future. Various methods can be implemented to address the water problem in the most area. Ground water recharge is one of the methods that can be used for water conservation. Ground water recharge is an effective method in water scarce times; it is also an easily doable practice.

Ground water recharge is a technology used for collecting rainwater from rooftops, land surface or rock catchments for bore well or groundwater recharge purpose. Ground water recharge is considered as a very reliable way to conserve water for future generation. There are numerous advantages in doing so.

• Flood mitigation,
• Increasing groundwater levels,
• Greater water availability,
• Prevents Soil Erosion,
• Reduces Strain on Municipal Water Supply.

During year 2019-20, installations of Ground Water Recharge System and developments of School Disaster Management Plan (SDMP) in 15 SMC operated schools has been completed successfully by SMC with the help of Rs. 19.50/- lakhs financial assistant form ONGC (Hazira) CSR fund. Detailed track record of completed project is given below;

Surat Municipal Corporation have been executed total 530 no. of "Ground Water Recharge Structures" in SMC own premises till date. Amongst them; Hydraulic department of SMC have executed 382 and different zone of SMC have executed 100 no. of "Ground Water Recharge Structures" in SMC own premises such as Health centers, WTPs, WDSs, STPs, Municipal Schools, Municipal Building, Community Halls, Sport Complex's, Health Center, Library, Gardens etc. and 48 no. of "Ground Water Recharge Structures" have been executed by different departments of Surat Municipal Corporation on roads & below bridges where rain water logging was common problem.

The project is aimed to play a key role in the city's water crisis. This will aid in making society more resilient towards climate change. This project will aid in improving the adverse environmental effects like increasing ground water level and improving the water quality and water table.

Surat Municipal Corporation will install "Ground water recharge system" in SMC own premises. Companies shall provide financial assistance to Surat Municipal Corporation towards installation of "Ground Water Recharge System" in SMC own premises such as Health centers, Municipal Schools, Municipal Building, Community Halls, Sport Complex's, WTPs, WDSs, STPs, Library, Gardens etc. The proposed project shall be completed within 02 (Two) year from the date of signing the agreement.

The Project will be named "Financial assistance to Surat Municipal Corporation towards installation of Ground Water Recharge System in SMC own premises such as Health centers, Municipal Schools, Municipal Building, Community Halls, Sport Complex's, Library, Gardens, WTPs, WDSs, STPs etc."

The proposed project would be categorized for item (VI) i.e. "Ensuring environmental sustainability, ecological balance, protection of flora & fauna, animal welfare, agro forestry, conservation of natural resources & maintaining quality of soil, air & water." of schedule VII of Companies Act,2013.

Surat Municipal Corporation will install "Ground water recharge system" in SMC own premises such as Health centers, Municipal Schools, Municipal Building, Community Halls, Sport Complex's, Health Center, Library, Gardens, WTPs, WDSs, STPs etc

The estimated cost for the proposed project for installation of Ground Water Recharge System in SMC own premises is given below;

Companies shall grant a financial assistance up to 24,00,000/- (Rupees Twenty- Four Lakh, inclusive of all taxes/cess/duties, etc) to "Surat Municipal Corporation towards the Project cost and pay applicable GST on account of Cooperation Benefits availed, if any, directly to statutory authorities.

1. Surat Municipal Corporation will be utilizes the funds only for achieving the objectives of this proposed project. It will be meticulously maintain records of receipt and expenditure related to this proposed project.
2. After the completion of the project, Surat Municipal Corporation will submit project completion report with fund utilization certificate to Companies.
3. Surat Municipal Corporation will maintain activity cum progress report on usage of the assets created for project and provide the same to Companies as and when requested.
4. Surat Municipal Corporation agrees that it will not transfer any part of the funds, and/or any assets created/purchased from the funds, to any other person, without the prior written consent of Companies.
5. In case of any unutilized grants, the same will be returned to or utilized in the way as suggested by Companies.
6. Companies may conduct, at its own cost, third party impact assessment study for the project. Surat Municipal Corporation will provide all the necessary records and assistance time to time as sought by the impact assessment agency.

The project would be jointly monitored Companies and Surat Municipal Corporation. Companies will also have the right and permission of Surat Municipal Corporation to depute its officers / representatives, to visit the actual project site, its office for inspection of its books of accounts, audit the accounts to ascertain the utilization of funds and for inspection of the progress made in the project at any time, for which the implementing agency will provide all assistance and cooperation. Any lapses found during the inspection will be brought to the notice of Surat Municipal Corporation who shall, immediately upon receipt of such notice, reply to Companies the reason for such lapses and shall immediately rectify the lapses.

1. Keep separate ledger account to manage funds received and payments made in relation to the Project,
2. Implementation of the entire Project as per scope of work,
3. Monitoring of the Project with regard to quality of work / services rendered,
4. Ensure the funds disbursed are being used solely for the purpose of the Project for the intended beneficiaries.
5. Ensure assets created are used and maintained property in order to achieve objectives of the project (if applicable),
6. Ensure timely compliance to the proofs to be submitted as per milestone linked payment plan,
7. Ensure timely submission progress report as and when requested.

This proposed project will be come into force from the date of signing the agreement between both parties and remain valid for a period of 2 (Two) year or completion of the project including final payment & documentation whichever is earlier unless terminated earlier by the parties. The proposed project may be extended for such further period as may be agreed to by the both parties.

Hydraulic Engineer,
Hydraulic Department,
3rd floor, Dr Ambedkar Shopping Center,
Mandarwaja Ring Road, Surat-395002.
Email : exen.hydraulic@suratmunicipal.org