Act against builders on groundwater misuse, CGWA tells UP

Noida: Central Groundwater Authority has asked UP groundwater department to act against alleged over-extraction and wastage of groundwater by real estate developers in Noida, following a complaint by an environmental activist.In a letter to the state department, CGWA administrator VK Dhaundiyal said groundwater development and management in UP was being regulated by the state and requested its intervention, asking it to report back on action taken. The letter was accompanied by the complaints received by the authority.Environmental activist Vikrant Tongad had filed a complaint with the CGWA, the UP govt, and Noida Authority, flagging rampant groundwater extraction at construction sites in sectors 145 and 153. He said water being pumped out during basement excavation was being discharged into sewage pipelines and drains, accelerating the decline of the local water table.“We have been receiving regular complaints from local villagers, social activists, and nearby residents about hundreds of pumps deployed at construction sites running round the clock. Despite complaints, no effective action has been taken by Noida Authority or the groundwater department,” Tongad’s complaint stated.Earlier this week, the state groundwater department had separately directed the Gautam Buddh Nagar district magistrate to act against groundwater wastage in Greater Noida.While acknowledging that de-watering was necessary for basement construction, Tongad told TOI that builders should restrict excavation depth once water aquifers are reached rather than continuing to pump out and drain the water. He also noted that the National Green Tribunal has prohibited the use of groundwater in construction projects, requiring builders to use treated water from sewage treatment plants instead.“On one hand, we talk of preventing groundwater wastage in construction, and on the other, water is being pumped out and discharged into drains. This is pure wastage and causes the water table to drop considerably across the entire area,” he said.Noida Authority did not respond to requests for comment.