MCG initiates efforts to revive rainwater harvesting systems

Gurugram's groundwater levels have plummeted, prompting MCG to revive rainwater harvesting with 404 systems upgraded and 130 new planned to combat shortages.

Groundwater levels in Gurugram have dropped sharply over the years, prompting the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) to revive and expand rainwater harvesting systems, officials said.

Officials said the decline has started affecting supply during summers.

According to official data shared by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), the average groundwater level has fallen from 7.57 metres in 1974 to below 30 metres now, placing the city in the “dark zone” category.

Officials said the decline has started affecting supply during summers. While the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) manages supply through its Basai and Chandu water treatment plants, shortage is still reported in May and June every year.

MCG officials said unregulated extraction through borewells, including private ones in residential areas, are a major reason for depletion. Illegal RO plants and water wastage at service stations and households also add to the problem, they added.

Civic officials said that at least 84 rainwater harvesting systems are non-functional due to the depleting groundwater level.

Executive engineer Sandeep Dhundwal said that 404 existing rainwater harvesting systems are being repaired and upgraded with deeper borewells to reconnect them to the groundwater table.

He added that the corporation has also planned to install 130 new modular rainwater harvesting systems across the city at a cost of around ₹15 crore. The project is set to be completed in the upcoming three months, said Dhundwal.