On the orders of National Green Tribunal, Delhi Jal Board (DJB) is carrying out a survey of borewells in Delhi to see if they are legal and whether the quality of water is fit for consumption. The inspection is being done in societies, plots and commercial areas.
According to a DJB official, the survey will be completed by the end of March, and all illegal borewells will be sealed if dug up without permission.
DJB has been directed to prepare a list of all the tubewells, borewells and wells in Delhi. Illegal borewells will be sealed; legal borewells or tubewells will be checked for contamination and marked red if not found fit for consumption.
In Dwarka, many co-operative group housing societies use borewells and residents are apprehensive about the survey. This is, in fact, the second time that DJB is carrying out a survey in the area.
SK Sharma, a resident of Sector 9, said, “Many societies are using borewells to meet additional water requirements, as DJB does not supply enough water. What will we do if the borewells are sealed?”
PK Gautam, a resident of Sector 4, added, “The societies that are using borewells illegally or using borewells with poor-quality water will have to face consequences. But how will they meet their water requirements if the borewells are sealed?”
The matter is being discussed on various WhatsApp groups.