Illegal Groundwater Extraction in Gurgaon: Haryana Panel Cracks Down on 60 Companies

In an alarming revelation, a panel formed by the Haryana Water Resources Authority (HWRA) found that 60 companies and builders in Gurgaon are involved in the illegal extraction of groundwater. The report, issued last week, has raised concerns about the unchecked usage of water resources in the rapidly urbanizing city, known for its fast-growing infrastructure and expanding population.

The majority of these violations are concentrated in the New Gurgaon area, which, until a few years ago, was primarily agricultural land but is now densely populated with housing societies, commercial complexes, and high-rise buildings. These developments, largely fueled by the demand for residential and commercial spaces along the Dwarka Expressway, have put significant pressure on local water resources, especially groundwater.

Despite multiple notices being issued to the violators, none of the companies have responded to the HWRA's directives, prompting the formation of a committee to inspect these sites. The committee consists of experts, including Gurgaon’s chief hydrologist, enforcement officers from the Town and Country Planning Department, and regional officials from the Haryana State Pollution Control Board. Their primary task is to visit the sites and document the violations, after which the builders will be given 21 days to apply for the necessary approvals for groundwater extraction. If no applications are received within this period, the borewells will be sealed.

This stringent action is seen as an urgent attempt to address the growing concern of depleting groundwater levels in Gurgaon. The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) has categorized the city’s groundwater levels as ‘overexploited’ since 2013, warning of the environmental implications of unchecked urban development. A government study revealed last year that Gurgaon drew a staggering 214% of its total extractable groundwater in 2023, far exceeding sustainable limits. The report pointed to a combination of agricultural practices, industrial expansion, population growth, and high-rise developments as major contributors to this unsustainable extraction.

The recent measures by the HWRA reflect an increasing awareness of the ecological strain that Gurgaon’s rapid urbanization has placed on its natural resources. Experts have long been advocating for better water management practices and stricter regulations to curb the overuse of groundwater in urban areas.

Residents like Vikram Rao, a local of Sector 92, have welcomed the HWRA’s intervention. Rao believes that this action could serve as a model for other districts facing similar water scarcity issues. The move not only underscores the urgency of complying with water extraction norms but also highlights the need for sustainable resource management as the state grapples with water shortages.

As Gurgaon’s population continues to grow, the need for more efficient urban planning and resource management has never been clearer. With the deadline for compliance set for June 16, the next few weeks will be critical in determining whether the city can take a decisive step toward sustainable water usage and preventing further environmental degradation.