The problem of depleting water level has again brought Gurgaon in the news. The underground water level is depleting at fast rate in the city. Experts are wondering as to what are the possible solutions to the receding water level in Gurgaon.
According to the alarming report by the Ground Water Cell, the water level is depleting at an average rate of 2 meter per year since past 3 years. The reason for the depleting water level is not one but multiple. Unlicensed digging of bore wells, unprecedented growth of population, construction on a large scale, and no check on water usage are few of the main factors contributing to the shortage of water in Gurgaon. As a result Gurgaon is getting 45 mgd (million gallons per day) as against 85 mgd which is required by the total population of Gurgaon.
Experts believe that if the water level in Gurgaon keeps retracting with the same rate then Gurgaon will run out of water by the year 2017. Depleting water level being a source of major concern, experts are mooting on the possible solution to control the situation. Water is the main source of sustenance for life, and no city can grow further without abundance of consumable water.
Possible solutions to control depleting water level in Gurgaon:
- The present HUDA Administrator, Mr Praveen Kumar is planning to revive the old lakes in the city. Water bodies like 3 acre pond in Sukhrali, Johad Lake, and lakes in the forests of Aravalli will boost natural water bodies and control the depleting water level.
- Gurgaon has experienced that public-private partnership turns out to be a big advantage for city’s positive growth and overall infrastructural development. Government should invite private participation to control the shortage of water in Gurgaon. Private participation has earlier solved infrastructural woes like lack of public transport by launching privately owned public transport. Government can successfully control the situation by inviting private contribution and public participation.
- Rain Water Harvesting is another major step that can help control the problem of depleting water level in Gurgaon. In fact, like Delhi, Gurgaon administration has already made it mandatory for every residential colony over 250 sq yards to adopt rain water harvesting in Gurgaon. However, due to lack of enforcement builders and RWAs do not adhere to the rule and easily get out of the situation.
If Government wants to see Gurgaon as a growing city then it should adopt severe measures to control the problem of receding water level in Gurgaon. The role of the Government is not limited to making laws but also see that the rules and regulations are followed by the public. The Government and Administration should create a public opinion in favour of saving water and also encourage public involvement in the task of saving Gurgaon from the curse of becoming a waterless city.
Reecha Kumar, Gurgaonsite