Rapidly shrinking water tables show alarming trend

TNN Dec 10, 2012, 03.03AM IST

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• Environmentalists

NOIDA: Environmentalists have raised an alarm at the rapidly shrinking water tables in Noida and Greater Noida in the past decade due to a steady increase in construction work in the region. Of all the areas under watch, Dadri and parts of Greater Noida are the worst affected.
According to a survey conducted by Noida and Greater Noida authorities, the groundwater in the area is steadily decreasing with wells in certain areas in Jewar becoing almost dry. Officials said that due to rampant pollution and boring for groundwater, the water table is steadily decreasing and steps need to be taken to ensure that both the quality and quantity of water in the area can be sustained.

According to the report, certain areas in the district are critically in need of rejuvenating the existing groundwater supply. "Long term water level trend analysis of pre-monsoon and post-monsoon data reveal that out of seven wells considered, three situated in Jewar, Dankaur and Dadri show declining trends. This is attributed to the fact that most of these areas are semi-urban centres which heavily depend on groundwater for catering domestic as well as irrigation needs," reads the report.
Officials said that due to the increase in population in the area, the pressure on the existing groundwater reserves is high. "Gautam Budh Nagar has seen the highest growth in population in comparison to any other districts in the state. It has been a site of rapid development and industrialization and all of this having a serious effect. It is essential that the water supply is maintained and also that measures are taken to rejuvenate the existing system," said an official.
In the face of decreasing water levels, the Greater Noida Authority has made it mandatory for plots which are larger than 100 square metres to make suitable arrangements to allow for rainwater harvesting via the roof through which it can be channelized and clean water recharged to pits. "In bigger plots, which are industrial, commercial or institutional, measures must be made for rainwater harvesting," said an official.