Gurugram's Water Crisis: Extraction Triples Safe Limit

Gurugram is extracting 43,263 hectare metres of groundwater annually, far exceeding the permissible limit of 20,333 ha m, a critical deficit of 212.77%. This alarming situation has prompted environmental activist Sunil Singh to propose drastic measures to the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Singh's proposals, part of a case ongoing since 2008, include a complete ban on all groundwater extraction and a halt to new construction unless an assured surface water supply is guaranteed. These suggestions come ahead of an administrative review on October 5, following the High Court's observation on October 1 that the groundwater situation in Gurugram is "grim," with levels dropping to 40-50 meters.

Further recommendations involve identifying, geo-tagging, and sealing all existing borewells, suspending current permissions, and prohibiting new ones. The submissions also advocate for the restoration of 826 identified water bodies, many of which have significant potential for groundwater recharge. To ensure timely execution, a former judge's supervision is proposed for water body restoration.

Additionally, a 'Zero Discharge / Maximum Reuse' system is suggested, with a focus on utilizing the existing 300 MLD irrigation network by addressing sewage treatment shortfalls. The GMDA currently supplies 670 MLD against a demand of 770 MLD, with the remaining 100 MLD sourced from tubewells. An administrative meeting on October 5 will discuss discontinuing groundwater extraction in areas with GMDA canal supply, with a compliance affidavit due in court on October 8.