FMDA plans water reservoir project to boost groundwater recharge

The Faridabad Metropolitan Development Authority (FMDA) is set to acquire around 40 acres of land near the Yamuna for a water reservoir and groundwater recharge project. Claimed to be the first of its kind, the project would harvest and store floodwater from the Yamuna, according to local administration sources. Using rainwater harvesting techniques, the reservoir aims to restore and revitalise the groundwater table, helping meet drinking water supply demands outlined in the 2040 Master Plan.

The land, located in Chandpur village near the Yamuna river basin, has been priced at Rs 60 lakh per acre (circle rate), totalling Rs 24 crore for the 40-acre plot. The FMDA is awaiting state government approval for the land rate before releasing the payment to begin the project, which was proposed about two years ago, an official confirmed.

The primary goal of the project is to increase the groundwater levels of the Ranney Wells located along the riverbank. The system is expected to not only provide a reliable water supply throughout the year but also fulfil demand projections for the next 15 to 20 years. The reservoir would store enough water to maintain a steady supply to the city, which currently relies on several Ranney Wells for 60 to 70 per cent of its water needs.

Over the years, the water recharge of the Yamuna, which passes through several villages in the district including Basantpur, Ismailpur and Dadsia, among others, has significantly decreased. As part of the solution, the FMDA has been exploring additional land for similar projects. With 22 Ranney Wells already in operation, the FMDA plans to install 22 more in the near future. Furthermore, plans to acquire 10 acres in Immamudinpur village and an additional 250 acres near Tilpat village are also in progress, as approved in a meeting of the Haryana Water Resources Authority.

Work on the project would commence once the land is officially transferred, said Chief Engineer Vishal Bansal.