Falling groundwater level, salinity of water in parts of Delhi: Survey

The water level at some places in south and south-west Delhi, has gone 20 to 30 metres below the ground level, said the latest economic survey of the national capital, which was released on March 19, 2018. The survey also underlined the rising nitrate content in the groundwater level, thus, making it unfit for human consumption. In some areas of Shahdara and Kanjhawala, nitrate content has been found to be more than 1,000 mg/litre, the survey report tabled in the Delhi Assembly said. According to the report, more than the prescribed limits of fluoride and chemical concentrations have been found in groundwater at various locations in the national capital. The report said that the Central Ground Water Board had taken steps to regulate the number of tube wells commissioned in the city. The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has 4,209 functional tube wells and 14 ranney wells. The survey said the flood plains downstream of Wazirabad and the area adjacent to Najafgarh lake were being explored for extraction of water on a sustainable basis. Pre-feasibility studies for groundwater recharge, through the abandoned Bhatti Mines and canal system in the north-western region of Delhi, have also been taken, it said. Deepening of old lakes and other water bodies, preserving and developing the forest area, construction of check dams at Asola wildlife sanctuary and plantation of trees, are some of the steps being taken to improve the groundwater resources, the survey report added.