Civic body flouts norms to dig borewells in vulnerable zones
To tackle the water crisis in the city, the BMC has been flirting dangerously with groundwater reserves by digging borewells in areas where the water table is below normal, or where the water is polluted and saline, in violation of state norms.
To tackle the water supply crisis in the city, the civic administration has been flirting dangerously with groundwater reserves by digging borewells in areas where the water table is below normal, or where the water is polluted and saline, in violation of state norms.
A report of new borewells dug between January and June compiled by BMC’s hydraulic department shows that borewells have been dug in Mankhurd and Govandi in the eastern suburbs, and vulnerable parts of Bandra (E), and Andheri (W) in the west.SK Gupta, a consultant geologist, who surveyed the groundwater table in these parts for the BMC, had asked the civic body to resist groundwater extraction in these areas. The civic administration has, however, given in to pressure exerted by elected representatives and citizens suffering water scarcity.
The report reveals that 63 new borewells have been dug in the M (E) ward, in which Mankhurd and Govandi are located. A civic official said a several of these borewells have been dug in the vulnerable zone. "Residents there were the worst hit by the water crisis. With drinking water supplies drying up, there was pressure to find alternative means of supply," a senior hydraulic department official said. "Tanker supplies were attempted as a relief measure. This, however, proved insufficient. This is when we decided to tap groundwater," the official added.
The deputy municipal commissioner of M (E) ward was asked to take written undertaking from residents that they did not mind using saline water for non-potable use. Similar steps were also taken for some of the borewells constructed in vulnerable zones in the other areas, a senior official said.
Gupta, a former deputy director of the Groundwater Surveys and Development Agency, Konkan Region, however, said that the move could prove disastrous. "Depletion of groundwater levels in these areas can lead to intrusion of saline water," he said. He added that the increased salinity in these parts indicates deep intrusion of sea water into the fresh water aquifers.
The BMC report indicates that despite the state norm that no digging can be permitted beyond 200 ft, borewells in suburban areas have gone up to 400-500 feet. "This is nothing but mining of ground water," Gupta said.