Home / Environment / Noida Ponds Neglected: Groundwater Recharge Delayed
Noida Ponds Neglected: Groundwater Recharge Delayed
26 May
Summary
- Forest department urges action on stalled pond restoration for groundwater recharge.
- Approved plans for 10 Noida ponds remain unimplemented for months.
- Restoration vital before monsoon for ecological balance and water security.
Noida's critical pond restoration project, aimed at boosting groundwater recharge, is facing significant delays. The Gautam Budh Nagar forest department has reiterated its urgency in a letter dated May 23, 2026, highlighting that no action has been implemented despite prior approvals. This initiative, initially approved on June 25, 2025, encompasses the rejuvenation of 10 identified ponds within Noida's jurisdiction.
These traditional water bodies, ranging from 0.0632 to 1.391 hectares, are vital for improving rainwater harvesting and combating increasing groundwater stress in the urbanizing district. The National Green Tribunal had previously directed such restoration efforts in a 2022 matter concerning wetlands and groundwater conservation.
The forest department's push for timely action underscores the environmental concerns over declining groundwater levels and the shrinking natural recharge zones due to extensive concretisation. Officials emphasize that restoring these ponds before the upcoming monsoon season is particularly important for climate resilience and sustainable water management.
