Gurgaon: Crackdown on digging of illegal borewells soon - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Gurgaon: Crackdown on digging of illegal borewells soon

Hindustan Times | By, Gurgaon
Jun 26, 2017 11:13 PM IST

Vijender Singh Lamba, district hydrologist,Gurgaon said 20 dedicated teams have been formed to go after people engaged in illegal extraction of groundwater and sale

The Hydrology department in Gurgaon on Monday said that they would take action against the digging of illegal borewells and also supply of water through tankers without permission.

Udyog Vihar, Golf Course Road and Sikanderpur are among areas where the tanker mafia operates with abandon.(Parveen Kumar/HT FILE PHOTO)
Udyog Vihar, Golf Course Road and Sikanderpur are among areas where the tanker mafia operates with abandon.(Parveen Kumar/HT FILE PHOTO)

According to the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), Gurgaon’s groundwater level is declining by 1-3 metres every year. HT ran a report on Monday highlighting how excessive and illegal groundwater extraction is causing the city’s water table to shrink at an alarming rate.

Discover the thrill of cricket like never before, exclusively on HT. Explore now!

Water experts said groundwater extraction in Gurgaon, at present, is at 308%, way more than Faridabad at 75%, Palwal at 80% and Mewat at 85%.

As per an assessment by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), the city’s water table shrunk by seven metres post monsoon over the last six years. It has evoked concern as more than half the population of Gurgaon still depend on groundwater to meet their day-to-day needs.

HT also highlighted how more than 50 lakh litres of groundwater are being extracted by the private tanker mafia every day and sold for commercial purpose.

“We are aware of the situation and have formed 20 teams to implement the norms and take action against people involved in illegal sale of water. We have also initiated a campaign to spread awareness on illegal borewells and tankers in the city. The awareness drive will continue till July 15,” Vijender Singh Lamba, district hydrologist Gurgaon, said.

Each team, comprising three members, will visit areas where the tanker mafia allegedly rule the roost and raise public awareness on the alarming depletion of groundwater levels.

The critical areas where groundwater extraction is estimated at more than 100 times of the quantum recharged include, Udyod Vihar, Golf Course Road and Sikanderpur.

The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) had declared these areas “Dark Zone” in 2008.

“The city has good quality of groundwater and this is precisely the reason why extraction takes place at such a massive scale. Rain water harvesting is one way of reducing reliance on groundwater. It is mandatory for residents in every building of more than 100 square metres to install rainwater harvesting system on their premises.

Read I Gurgaon: Fresco residents fear new pumps will hasten groundwater depletion in the area

During the drive, there will be inspections of various locations to monitor implementation of rainwater harvesting system. “After July 15, we will impose fine on residents not installing rainwater harvesting systems,” he added.

The Centre for Science and Environment’s (CSE) report on Gurgaon’s groundwater stressed on the treatment of sewage water, as canal and the available potable water isn’t enough to meet the city’s need.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Ipsita Pati is a senior correspondent with the Hindustan Times, covering Gurgaon. She has written on pollution, wildlife, forest cover, Maoists problems and illegal mining while working in different states of India including Jharkhand, West Bengal, Delhi and Haryana.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On