UP govt to conduct aquifer mapping in 4 cities today

Lucknow: Aquifer mapping and management study will be conducted in four cities of the state from Tuesday to ascertain the status of groundwater and water bodies. The survey will be carried out in Jhansi, Rampur, Banda and Rae Bareli to find out the status of groundwater.The exercise is being initiated under AMRUT mission to help urban local bodies governing the four cities to prepare the city water balance and city water action plans.Officials said that the objective is to fulfil at least 20% of the city water demand through recycled or treated water. The groundwater balance within the urban aquifer systems are going to be studied to find out the variations over the past two to three decades. “We are going to find out the new and old tap connections within the four cities, the timing of supply and the quantity of water being supplied. Water bearing formations will be also surveyed and examined to find out the stress level on the aquifers,” said Subrata Chakraborty, senior programme manager (water) at Centre for Science and Environment.