No end to encroachment near water bodies in Gurugram

Gurugram: Taking cognisance of the depleting water table in Gurugram, the Haryana government had announced proactive measures so as to revive the water bodies.

However, it seems that the government and the district administration have not yet been able to rein in the land mafia, which continues to encroach upon water bodies and exploit profits by developing real estate projects on them.

After reports claimed that several acres of land near Ghata lake had been encroached by land mafia, reports have also emerged that land near a lake in Sector-72 at Golf Course extension is being flattened so as to sell it as a real estate asset.

Activists now plan to raise this matter with the authorities, so that action can be taken against the encroachments.

Over 40 per cent of citizens in Gurugram still depend on ground water for their water supply. Water scarcity in most parts of the city has resulted in the growth of the water tanker mafia, which sells water to residents at exorbitant rates.

Most residents complain that they have no choice but to pay Rs 1,500 and beyond to get water from private tankers.

As a result, revival of dying lakes is a major challenge for the district administration, not only to prevent land encroachment, but also to ensure water supply for residents.

A survey by public authorities recently revealed that there are only 40 ponds left in the city. This is a huge drop from the over 600 ponds that used abound the city in the 1950's.

Real estate development and rapid urbanisation has resulted in most areas near ponds being converted into area for commercial usage.

While developing ponds and bunds seems to be a major priority for the district administration, the officials also have to deal with illegal bore wells being dug up by residents.

Bore wells have also led to diminishing of water sources.

To achieve the goal of renewal of urban ponds, the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram will start working on the revival of three ponds, namely the Basai, Jahajgarh and Sukhrali pond.