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Wastewater Threatens Aravali's Wildlife Water Source
18 Mar
Summary
- A pipeline from a sewage plant diverts treated wastewater towards an Aravali waterhole.
- Residents fear contamination of drinking water for wildlife and groundwater.
- The forest department stated no permission was sought for the pipeline.
A recently installed pipeline diverting treated wastewater from a village sewage treatment plant into Gurgaon's Aravali plantation area has ignited significant opposition from local residents. The pipeline terminates near a check dam within the forest, raising serious ecological and legal concerns. Residents have lodged a complaint with the forest department, highlighting potential contamination of water sources crucial for wildlife and the risk to groundwater quality.
Concerns are mounting that even treated wastewater may contain residual pollutants, heavy metals, and microplastics that could harm the sensitive Aravali ecosystem and wildlife. The structures, originally intended for rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge, could have their ecological purpose undermined. A senior municipal official stated that an update on the pipeline's status and necessary permissions is being sought.
The forest department has indicated that no request for such work was received and stated that actions will be taken as dumping wastewater and conducting non-forest activities in the Aravali plantation area are not permissible. Residents also fear the long-term impact on groundwater, a vital drinking and irrigation source for surrounding villages.
