GB Nagar: Resident bodies raise the issue of depleting groundwater level

On the occasion of World water day, residents of Gautam Budh Nagar raised the issue of decreasing the level of groundwater in the area. The groundwater level has decreased by about 20 meters in the last eight years which is a grave concern for area residents.

Residents shared that they are worried about their future. They share that the population of Gautam Budhha Nagar is growing by the day. New housing societies are being planned rapidly which could increase the pressure on the groundwater level.

On this subject Manish Kumar, Senior vice president, NEFOWA says, "This debate is not only limited to a day. We cannot improve the groundwater level in a day. It will require a period of efforts from the authorities."

Talking about the current situation, he says " There is no effort from authorities concerned to conserve water. There are so many illegal car washing shops around Gautam Buddha Nagar. Builders are using groundwater for their construction instead of STP water. Authority should take note of these issues. This is not our job. They have to raise awareness among the citizens."

Noida Federation of Apartment Owners Associations NOFFA has been regularly organizing awareness campaigns on water conservation and rainwater harvesting. These are aimed at educating residents and furthering the cause of maintaining groundwater. They also give free workshops on water conservation in high rise buildings in collaboration with RWAs.

Rajiva Singh, President NOFAA says, "The set of guidelines formulated by NOFAA and shared with societies have been of great help. A large number of societies have started making efforts to make sure that their RWH systems are in working order before the onset of the rainy season."

CitySpidey reached out to the Deputy General Manager, Noida Jal Board RP Singh on the issue of decreasing groundwater levels. He says, "We are spreading awareness among the citizens on the importance of water. We made a project plan on water conservation in Noida that we shared with WAPCOS, the department of the government of India. Professor Deepankar Shah, expert of central groundwater commission is appointed to improve the water conservation of Noida in one and a half years. We are working on how to motivate the public.

DGM further added that the implementation of the project within the next year and a half will put a stop to illegal establishments such as car washing shops and unauthorized borewells.