Create lake in 15 acres in Gurugram to prevent waterlogging: Rao Inderjit

The state plans to create an artificial lake near a mall in Gurugram to conserve water and keep NH-8 free of waterlogging. Stating this, Union minister Rao Inderjit Singh asked officials to look into the possibility of making the lake in 15 acres of tourism land near the mall. The land was previously used for Dhanchiri camps. Singh said vacant government lands should be utilised for recharging water. Citing the city's topography, he noted that natural stormwater channels had been "obstructed" by illegal constructions, worsening waterlogging in low-lying areas. He asked officials to prepare a report on encroachments over natural drains and ensure that they were cleared immediately.

Highlighting the need for modern solutions, he suggested that just as Metro tunnels run underground, pipelines should be laid to ensure smooth flow of rainwater through its natural course. “Builders and industrial projects cannot be allowed to disregard water conservation norms. Departments must act firmly so that the dream of sustainable water management in Gurugram can be achieved,” he said.

Singh directed the authorities to conduct biannual inspections of rainwater harvesting systems in residential and industrial units, saying that Occupation Certificates (OCs) should be revoked in case of violations. Expressing displeasure over widespread non-compliance, he said builders and housing societies often showcased rainwater harvesting structures at the time of obtaining OCs, but neglect their upkeep once approvals were granted.

Chairing a recent Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) meeting, he stressed that water conservation laws must be implemented in letter and spirit, especially in a region fast sliding into the “dark zone” due to rapid groundwater depletion. “If timely corrective steps are not taken, the situation will become critical,” he warned.

Officials admitted during the meeting that despite rules mandating rainwater harvesting in HUDA sectors and residential projects, the systems remained largely non-functional. Singh instructed GMDA, the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG), and Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) to ensure compliance through regular checks, adding that strict punitive action should be taken against erring developers and industrial units.

He also raised concerns about sewage being discharged into public spaces by builders and units that failed to set up sewage treatment plants. He directed officials to take stern action against such violations, citing repeated complaints from Resident Welfare Associations.