Gurugram Extracts Twice Its Groundwater Share, Agencies Told to Cut Use
The high court has asked the GMDA to examine whether groundwater extraction can be stopped in areas that are already receiving piped water supplied by the authority.
By Sakshi
New Delhi, October 6: Gurugram is using more than twice the amount of groundwater that is considered available for extraction every year, raising concerns over the city’s rapidly falling groundwater levels. In view of the situation, the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) on Monday directed civic and district agencies to prepare plans to reduce dependence on groundwater and increase the use of canal water.
The directions were issued at a meeting chaired by GMDA Chief Executive Officer PC Meena. The meeting was held after the Punjab and Haryana High Court, in an October 1 order, raised concerns over the depletion of groundwater in Gurugram.
According to information placed before the court, groundwater levels in some parts of Gurugram have fallen to nearly 40 metres below ground level, reported the HT. The district is extracting groundwater at around 212.8% of its annually extractable groundwater resource, meaning the amount being taken out is more than twice the amount considered available for annual extraction.
Govt Agencies Asked To Reduce Groundwater Use
Meena directed various departments to submit action plans by October 6 outlining steps to reduce groundwater extraction and improve the recharge of underground water reserves. The district administration was also asked to identify unauthorised borewells and take action against them.
The high court has asked the GMDA to examine whether groundwater extraction can be stopped in areas that are already receiving piped water supplied by the authority. The GMDA has also been asked to submit a report on the outcome of Monday’s meeting by October 8.
Focus On Rainwater Recharge
Officials were also asked to prepare measures to ensure that more rainwater stays within the city instead of being quickly carried away through stormwater drains. The measures include reviving natural water bodies, removing encroachments and lowering the levels of green belts so that rainwater can enter the ground more easily.
Authorities are also looking at converting suitable parks into bioswales, which are landscaped areas designed to collect and filter rainwater and help it seep into the ground.
Treated Wastewater To Replace Groundwater
The GMDA also called for greater use of treated wastewater by industries instead of fresh groundwater. At present, the authority supplies around 10 million litres per day (MLD) of tertiary-treated wastewater to the textile industry. Officials said other industrial units would also be encouraged to use treated wastewater.
The Haryana State Pollution Control Board was asked to monitor sewage treatment plants in group housing societies. Officials also discussed providing separate electricity connections for sewage treatment plants and enforcing the state's zero-discharge policy.
Underground Rainwater Storage
The GMDA is also examining the possibility of storing rainwater underground beneath parks.
One such facility has been proposed below the football ground at Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Sector 38.
Five scientific rainwater-harvesting structures are also being developed in collaboration with IIT Delhi. Structures in sectors 31 and 39 and at AIT Park in Sector 55 have already been completed, while work at Rezangla Chowk is under way.
142 Ponds Identified For Rejuvenation
According to the Haryana Water Resources Authority, 142 ponds have been identified for rejuvenation across Gurugram district. Of these, work on 68 ponds has been completed, while work on the remaining 74 is under way.
The measures are part of efforts to improve groundwater recharge and reduce the city's dependence on underground water, as Gurugram continues to face severe pressure on its groundwater reserves.
