Falling of ground water level in South Delhi area is further going to worsen in the coming days as cemented ramps are being constructed on soiled ground by house owners for smooth movement of vehicles and for parking purposes.
The construction of such cemented structures from edge of the house to the pavement is proving to be a hurdle in natural ground water recharge while also causing massive rise in temperature. Environmental activists claim that the ongoing move of the house owners is proving dangerous as scope of plantation is depleting gradually.
Environmentalists say that the way residents of various pockets of South Delhi mainly Sarvodya Enclave, Aurobindo, Green Park, Gulmohar Park, Navjiwan Vihar, Greater Kailash, Press Enclave, Hauz Khas, RK Puram and other parts are putting cemented tiles outside their houses, it would cause great harm to the environment.
The felling of trees is creating heat island effect resulting in rise of temperature up to six degree Celsius than normal. A survey conducted by an NGO, Society for Protection of Environment and Biodiversity, also reveals harsh reality about the containerization as it claims that ‘concretised/impervious ground surfaces prevent percolation of rain water into ground by as much as 90 percent and vastly reduce the catchment area. It thus, prevents ground water recharge. Future generations, thus, stand the risk of being starved without water. Grounds will be depleted of water and taps will go dry. Concretised surfaces emit/radiate harmful Ultraviolet-B rays as a major part of the solar radiation incident on it gets reflected back into the atmosphere.’
Padmavati Dwivedi, an activist, also known as tree census lady, says the trend of concretising the soiled space in posh sectors by violating green norms has been prevalent since two-three years and the authorities are yet to take concrete measures. She has approached the civic bodies and other government agencies on several occasions and now has raised the concern before Urban Development Ministry.
Dwivedi hopes that despite strong opposition of house owners, she will be able to bring in a change in the region. ‘Although I am facing a lot of criticism from the residents, I have been fighting for the concern. In few cases, I have ensured that such tiles are removed with the help of local police but the fight is on as most part of the area has been covered with such tiles these days,’ she said.