In Gurugram, groundwater extraction has reached alarming levels, with an annual withdrawal of 43,263 hectare metres, significantly surpassing the sustainable limit of 20,333 hectare metres—equating to 212.77% of the allowable extraction. In response to this critical situation, environmental activist Sunil Singh, who is also the lead petitioner in an ongoing legal case, has put forth a series of proposals to the Punjab and Haryana High Court. These proposals include a total prohibition on groundwater extraction, a halt on new construction projects that do not guarantee a reliable surface water supply, and the establishment of judicial oversight for the rehabilitation of water bodies.
This case has been under consideration by the High Court for nearly twenty years. Singh initially filed his petition in 2008, raising concerns over unauthorized tubewell usage by construction developers in the area. Over time, the scope of the case has expanded to encompass broader issues related to groundwater depletion and the recovery of water bodies in Gurugram.
The recent proposals come ahead of a scheduled administrative meeting on October 5, which will involve representatives from the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), the Haryana Shahari Awas Pradhikaran (HSVP), and the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG), in addition to the petitioners. This follows a statement made by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Rohit Kapoor, who described the groundwater conditions in Gurugram as “grim” on October 1. The court learned that groundwater levels had dropped to between 40 and 50 meters across the district, noting that the annual extraction rate is double that of the natural replenishment capacity.
The High Court emphasized the need for authorities to thoroughly investigate the groundwater crisis and propose effective solutions, stating, “It is essential to recognize that the current generation is merely a steward for those that will come; if we deplete natural resources like groundwater at this rate, future generations will face dire consequences.”
In his legal submission, Singh advocated for a comprehensive ban on all forms of groundwater extraction via borewells in Gurugram, regardless of their registration status. He proposed that all existing borewells be identified, geo-tagged, and sealed within a specified timeframe, and that all current permits for groundwater extraction be suspended during this process. Furthermore, he called for a halt on any new borewell permissions, renewals, or increases in approved extraction quantities.
Additionally, Singh insisted that no new construction should be authorized unless the relevant authorities can prove the availability of a dependable and sustainable water source that does not rely on groundwater.
His proposals also included the restoration of designated water bodies, their catchment areas, and associated feeder channels. Referencing a GMDA survey, which identified that 826 out of 1,216 water bodies have the potential for recovery, Singh pointed out that 305 public water bodies encompassing approximately 393 acres and over 140 natural low-lying areas covering about 412 acres could substantially contribute to groundwater recharge if restored.
To mitigate bureaucratic delays, Singh suggested that the restoration efforts for the water bodies listed in the GMDA inventory be overseen by a retired judge from the highest judiciary. Furthermore, he called for the implementation of a ‘Zero Discharge / Maximum Reuse’ strategy, arguing that a 300 MLD irrigation network is not fully utilized due to inadequacies in sewage treatment. He proposed that no untreated sewage or industrial waste should be allowed to enter stormwater drains, natural water bodies, open land, or groundwater sources.
Currently, the GMDA meets a demand of 770 MLD with a supply of 670 MLD, while the remaining 100 MLD is sourced from tubewells operated by the municipal corporation and private developers. The upcoming October 5 meeting is set to discuss the potential cessation of groundwater extraction in areas already serviced by GMDA canals, with a compliance affidavit expected to be submitted to the High Court by October 8.
