Despite ban, operation of illegal tubewells continues in Faridabad

Even as the illegal operation of a large number of tubewells and borewells continues to pose a threat to the water table, despite a ban, the civic authorities are yet to come out with a comprehensive action plan to curb the violations.

Though the data of illegal tubewells or submersible pumps is not out yet, sources in the district administration claim that the number could be in hundreds and are reported to be drawing over 100 MLD of water daily, which is nearly one-third of the total supply of drinking water. The city is getting a supply of around 330 MLD against the demand of over 450 MLD.

The extraction of groundwater has been around 200 per cent more than the recharge each year, as per reports. The district has already been included in the dark zone. The water table is declining rapidly, as per a report prepared under the Atal Bhujal Yojna (ABY) in 2021-22. Against a total recharge of 11,034.07 hectare metre (HM) of water, the extraction has been 22,151.60 HM. The water table in the city has declined by more than five times in the past 40 years due to increased extraction and poor recharge, it is revealed.

“Illegal boring of tubewells and submersible pumps has been on in almost every part, including forest areas and unauthorised residential colonies,” said Vishnu Goel, a social activist. He said as boring was being done on the pretext of rainwater harvesting, it was being turned as legal by submitting a formal application to the department.

The minimum and maximum level of water table in the majority of pockets, which had been between 10 and 12 metres about two decades ago, has gone down to 70 to 90 metres, it is claimed.

“The NGT had directed tough action and effective mechanism for preventing the extraction of groundwater by unauthorised operators and tanker mafia, besides the imposition of economic compensation,” said Varun Sheokand, a resident who had filed a petition with the tribunal two years ago.

Though the Haryana Water Resources (Conservation, Regulation and Management) Authority had also sought a report from the administration after 112 units were found to be violating water extraction norms here in 2022, the sources claim that the data and action plan was yet to be compiled or disclosed officially.

Ombir Singh, MC Superintending Engineer, said sealing action was taken against violators as soon as any complaint was received. Vishal Bansal, Chief Engineer, FMDA, said no data was available regarding illegal units.