Protect the Aravallis, revive water bodies to save Gurgaon

GURGAON: During a discussion held on Thursday to set up a framework for sustainable development, environmentalists at the Gurugram Environment Conclave stressed on the unchecked use of groundwater due to which the water table is falling at an alarming rate of one to three metres every year.

A report released by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and Gurgaon First, a citybased NGO, highlighted the challenges faced by Gurgaon and the sustainability action goals which can help in the city’s sustainable growth.

The gap between demand and supply of water is expected to jump from 34% to 57% in the years to come as between 2005 and 2014, as much as 74% drop in water table has been noted, explained the panelists. The CSE report also mentioned that even though there is a ban on use of groundwater and freshwater for construction, it is yet to be implemented in the city.

Even though the situation is grim, the solutions are not far away. The residents of the city can start by saving the Aravallis, which act as groundwater recharge zones.

“The groundwater recharge areas need to be identified as part of the natural conservation zone as directed by the Regional Plan 2021. Traditionally, Gurgaon had over 350 water bodies that served the purpose of water storage, however, things have changed as most of them have dried up or become waste dump yards. These water bodies need to be indentified and revived. Also measures need to be taken to protect the 3.5% of forest cover in south Haryana,” said Chetan Agarwal, environment analyst.

In a study conducted by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA), it was found that in several blocks of Gurgaon, 300% over-extraction of groundwater takes place. “The CGWA had warned that once the water table reaches 200 metre below ground level, only rocks will be left,” said Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, CSE.