Work on water harvesting pits move at a snail’s pace

Though the depletion of groundwater has reached alarming proportions in Gurgaon, the Haryana Urban Development Authority’s (Huda) plan to set up 268 rainwater harvesting pits in several sectors is moving at a snail’s pace. The pits were supposed to be constructed by July this year.

Though the depletion of groundwater has reached alarming proportions in Gurgaon, the Haryana Urban Development Authority’s (Huda) plan to set up 268 rainwater harvesting pits in several sectors is moving at a snail’s pace. The pits were supposed to be constructed by July this year.

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So far, the department has set up only 24 structures as construction on several others was halted due to the scarcity of cement and iron.

A junior engineer of the Haryana Urban Development Authority (Huda) said on the condition of anonymity that the issue was reported to Huda chief engineer Pankaj Kumra, superintending engineer RK Kakkar and Praveen Kumar Huda administrator a month ago.

At present, pits have been dug up in several parks across the city. “Pits measuring 20-25 feet have been dug up in several Huda parks. We have been requesting junior engineers (JEs) and sub-divisional engineers (SDEs) to look into the issue,” said RS Raghav, resident of Sector 15.

“The dug up pits pose a threat to the lives of people. Huda officials have turned a blind eye to the problem,” said Aman Kohli, resident Sector 41.

Following a rap from the Punjab and Haryana High Court over the depletion of groundwater, Huda had planned to construct 268 water harvesting pits by July.

“I have sought detailed information and will take appropriate action against the officials concerned,” said Huda administrator Praveen Kumar.