Curbs on tubewells

The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) has made it mandatory for all registered tubewell owners to install water meters before April 9. HT reports.

The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) has made it mandatory for all registered tubewell owners to install water meters before April 9.

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The order is applicable to a ‘notified area’ where no new borewell can be dug up. It includes Gurgaon city, municipal corporation areas, industrial areas and 105 villages of the district.

PC Meena, deputy commissioner of Gurgaon, has appealed to residents to install meters as the deadline is round the corner. As per CGWA directions, consumers must keep a record of the water extracted, besides intimating the deputy commissioner of the district about the installation.

After the meters are set up, the district administration will ensure a regular groundwater audit.

Meena said tubewell owners who don't abide by the guideline will face strict action under the Environment Protection Act-1986 and the water source will also be sealed.

He also stressed that it has been made mandatory for owners of houses or buildings having roof top area of more than 100 square meters to install storm water drainage system.

In December 2010, Punjab & Haryana high court passed an order restricting use of borewells only for domestic and drinking purposes.

Even government departments, including Public Health Engineering and Haryana Urban Development Authority, can't dig any new wells. In case of an emergency, one needs to obtain the high court’s approval.