LoP blames Delhi Govt for groundwater crisis

Vijender Gupta, Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Delhi Assembly, slammed the AAP-led Delhi Government for its failure to address the growing groundwater crisis in the capital.

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Gupta accused the government of neglecting the city’s groundwater management over the past decade. Gupta expressed concern over the alarming state of groundwater levels in the city, particularly in the industrial and densely populated areas where extraction is surpassing natural availability.

“In several parts of Delhi, groundwater extraction has exceeded its replenishment capacity and the situation has worsened significantly,” Gupta said.

He referred to a recent report by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) which revealed that groundwater exploitation reached 100 per cent in 2024 — an unprecedented increase compared to previous years.

The BJP leader further highlighted the rising contamination level in Delhi’s groundwater. According to the CGWB report, 23.3% of water samples collected from across the city showed electrical conductivity (EC) levels above 3,000 μS/cm, a sign of severe pollution. Shahdara, North West and South West Delhi were found to be the worst-affected areas.

“The contamination level in groundwater is alarming, with high levels of fluoride and nitrate. Fluoride contamination can lead to skeletal fluorosis, while excessive nitrate levels are linked to 'blue baby syndrome' — a condition that severely affects infants," Gupta warned.

Gupta held the Delhi Government accountable for the worsening situation, accusing it of failing to take corrective measures despite warnings. He also blamed the government for allowing illegal bore wells and water extraction by tanker mafias to continue, further exacerbating the crisis.

“The Delhi Government has done nothing to curb illegal extraction and promote groundwater replenishment,” he said.

The Leader of Opposition emphasised that groundwater is essential for Delhi’s water supply and the government had failed to protect this vital resource. “Groundwater is the lifeline of Delhi, and the government’s inaction is putting the future of millions of residents at risk," Gupta added.

Further, Gupta demanded immediate action from the Delhi Government to address the crisis, including stricter enforcement of water conservation measures, ban on illegal bore wells and a sustainable plan to replenish groundwater. “The government must be held accountable and take urgent steps to ensure clean and safe water for all Delhiites,” he concluded.