To assess the extent of groundwater use across various parts of Kolkata-and to identify where the water level is dropping to alarming levels, the state government is set to begin a new survey. According to officials from the Water Resources Investigation and Development Department, much of the earlier data sets have become outdated and hence the need to conduct this study under the West Bengal Ground Water Resources (Management and Control) Act, 2005.
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A department official said that even though the piped water supply has increased in Kolkata, many housing complexes, small businesses, educational institutions, and construction firms still depend heavily on pumps. Besides, several areas continue to use tube wells. So, to understand where groundwater extraction is under control and where it has reached critical levels, a fresh survey is essential. According to experts, at a time when many cities across the country are facing acute water shortages due to climate change and rising population, this initiative is particularly important for Kolkata.
In the last few years, hundreds of housing projects have come up around Mukundapur and Anandapur off the EM Bypass. Old tube wells are reportedly used at the time of construction, and then high-capacity pumps are installed to draw out water. The use of groundwater is relatively low in small businesses and construction work in North and Central Kolkata, but the increasing population in newly added municipal areas has increased the pressure on the water table. The survey will note how much water is presently being extracted at each location, cross-check tube well locations and study the fluctuation in the groundwater level in the past five years. New guidelines on the use of groundwater in industries, commerce, residence and other sectors will be prepared by the government based on the findings.
In many parts of Kolkata, the groundwater table is falling faster than it should. In fact, the amount of water being extracted in Kolkata is several times higher than what the aquifers receive from rainwater, pointed out Tarit Raychaudhuri, professor of environmental science at Jadavpur University. The survey would, therefore, help the government zero in on areas where controls are urgently needed. As the level of groundwater goes down, the concentration of arsenic and fluoride in the water increases. A large number of people drink groundwater that is not well filtered, which increases the chance of the spread of various diseases. Preventing the falling trend of the water table is a must to avoid these diseases, he pointed out. Environmental scientist Abhijit Chattopadhyay said that continuous construction and violations of building norms are disrupting the city's natural water cycle. Unless this situation changes with alternative sources of water-such as rainwater harvesting or water recycling, being made compulsory, things may get beyond control in another ten years, warn experts.
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Officials of the Water Resources Investigation and Development Department say that once the survey is complete, it will clearly indicate which areas require restrictions on groundwater extraction and where alternative sources should be promoted. The report will play a major role in framing a long-term water conservation plan for the city. Kolkata Municipal Corporation’s Mayor-in-Council (Environment), Swapan Samaddar, said that awareness drives to prevent water wastage are ongoing. Whatever recommendations come from the survey, they will try their best to implement them.
