This story is from March 22, 2019

‘New’ Delhi shows the rest how it should be done

‘New’ Delhi shows the rest how it should be done
Rain water harvesting structures at AIIMS flyover in New Delhi
NEW DELHI: Despite the Niti Aayog cautioning that Delhi could run out of groundwater by 2020, appear ill-equipped to harvest rainwater. A recent study by Delhi University linked an improvement in the water table in the New Delhi district to the increase in rainwater harvesting systems installed there, a clear sign that the capital could do with reduced exploitation and increased natural recharge during the rainy season.
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New Delhi is the only district to show ‘positive’ groundwater development, falling from 171% in 2004 to 99% in 2009.
“When the figure is more than 100%, it means more water is being extracted than being replenished. Falling below 100% is a good sign,” explained Shashank Shekhar of the department of geology at DU and researcher on the study.
Shekhar said the New Delhi district had a large number of government buildings, most of them over 500 square metre in size and so mandatorily required to have rain harvesting systems. Other buildings too have pitched in and more water is being recharged despite the region being fairly concretised. “If you look at 2014 data and compare it with 2004, groundwater levels are starting to rise in New Delhi areas, and this is an example of how rainwater harvesting can help replenish groundwater,” said Shekhar.
For other districts to similarly succeed, the contribution of Delhi Jal Board is considered crucial. Suresh Rohilla, water programme director, Centre for Science and Environment, said DJB has to ensure that the mandated buildings have rain harvesting infrastructure. “We are seeing action, but only due to the pressure of the National Green Tribunal,” said Rohilla. “Otherwise, people are unaware of how to install rainwater harvesting system and that is where the problem lies. DJB has to provide the knowledge and expertise to those willing to pay to have these installed on their properties.”

The latest Central Ground Water Board report has indicated that low recharge structures, increasing concretisation and poor planning are leading to a rapid decline in Delhi’s water table. In almost 15% of the capital, groundwater lies at a depth of 40 metres or more, and almost all of south Delhi, central Delhi and east Delhi use more groundwater than is being replenished.
Vikrant Tongad, a groundwater activist who has filed several petitions in NGT, suggested that long-term planning had to consider not only harvesting infrastructure, but also re-use of water. “Singapore, which has become self-sufficient in water, recycles all sewage water,” he said. “We need to stop relying on groundwater and focus on how to re-use available sewage water.”
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