Haryana CM expresses concern over falling groundwater reserves in Gurugram

Gurugram: Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Tuesday expressed concern over the falling groundwater reserves in Gurugram and the other district of South Haryana.

He mentioned that to tackle the issue not only will the new water bodies be created but there will also be efforts to restore the dying ponds in the city.

He also emphasised on the importance of creating check dams and water harvesting systems.

He highlighted that his government was working in how the canal water can be diverted to areas of South Haryana which for long has been facing with the problem and has been dependent on the groundwater for their needs.

"Environment and water is the top priority for the government and in the coming months we will try to create a mechanism where our government can deal with these challenges effectively," said the Chief Minister.

Not only the Chief Minister various top institutions like the National Green Tribunal has raised a warning on the falling ground water reserves of the city.

In 1974 where the groundwater in Gurugram can be traced at six meters below the ground level today has fallen down to levels of 40 meters.

Around 40 per cent of Gurugrammers still, depending on the groundwater for their water supply.

Water scarcity in large parts of the city has resulted in the growth of tanker mafia where water is been sold to the resident at exorbitant rates. Most of the residents complain that they are forced to pay the amount ranging from Rs.1500 to Rs 2000 to the private water tankers.

Real estate development and rapid urbanisations have resulted in most of the areas of ponds being either converted into an area for commercial usage.

While developing ponds and bunds seems to be a major priority for the district administration, it also has to deal with the illegal bore wells that are also resulting in diminishing the vital resource.