60% of water harvesting pits defunct in Gurugram

Gurugram: The challenge towards renewal of falling ground water reserves in the city can be gauged from the fact that over 180 out 300 water harvesting pits under the Gurugram civic body are defunct. The figures came from the survey that was sanctioned by the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG).

The Non productive use of such pits further increases as water harvesting units in various private colonies and HUDA sectors have also not been effectively utilised. There are over 500 water harvesting pits that are expected to be there in the city.

Taking cognisance of the high maintenance cost involved, MCG Commissioner V Umashankar voiced of the participation of the resident welfare associations in these initiatives. The MCG is also in talks with various Multinational companies in the city to develop water recharging pits.

The initiative to enhance the ground water levels in the city comes at a time when the levels of ground water are dipping alarmingly in the city. It is estimated that over half of the residents in the city get their water supply through ground water extraction.

Even as there has been ban by the court to dig illegal bore wells, there are over 15,000 illegal bore wells that are have been dug up in the city. In most of the areas in the city the ground water has fallen to levels of 50 metres. The alarming decline in water levels in the city was also brought up by the National Green Tribunal.