Gurugram: There are reports that significant parts of the national Capital is running dry.
The impact of water crisis cannot be felt more than in Gurugram where in the past decade 82 per cent of the groundwater reserves have depleted.To address this major problem, the public administration had brought in the rainwater harvesting policy.Yet, despite various claims, the scheme is yet to be a major success in the water-deficient Gurugram.There are over 125 water reservoirs in the city, 60 percent of them are reported to be defunct.These water pits that come under the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG).However, the lack of proper maintenance and the inability to check encroachments have ensured that these pits have not been of any utility.Last year, with the aid of a private organisation, the municipal body had started the process of cleaning the pits.
However, in the later months, this exercise gradually fizzled out of steam.The district administration had also directed various private schools that have large areas to create water harvesting pits.However, this direction was also not followed up.
Besides recharging the water levels, rainwater harvesting pits are also expected to improve the drainage systems of the city that again is proving to be a major civic challenge in the Millennium city.
"It is not that we have given up on water harvesting systems.
In the coming months, we are going to invest more in creating and maintaining water harvesting pits.
It is also important, however, for the citizens to take the initiative and participate in water conservation measures," said an official from the Corporation.It is estimated that over half of the residents get their water supply through borewells.
As there has been a ban by the court to dig illegal borewells, there are over 15,000 illegal borewells in the city.In most of the areas, the groundwater has fallen to levels of 50 metres.Water scarcity in large parts of the city has resulted in the growth of tanker mafia where water is being sold to the residents at exorbitant rates.
Most of the residents complain that they are forced to pay from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 to the private water tankers.The alarming decline in water levels in the city was also stated recently by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).