Despite having adequate numbers of waterbodies, South Delhi residents have to rely on water tankers because of limited water supply in the peak summer. Though areas like — Devli, Ambedkar Nagar, Fatehpur Beri and Gadai Pur — have many waterbodies, people face shortage of safe drinking water.
Interestingly, as per the revenue records of the Delhi Government 120 waterbodies exist in this part of the national Capital out of which 33 are “dry” and 34 are in “wet” condition. Environmentalists believe that the waterbodies have significant role in combating tough situations during water scarcity.
However, when borewell and emergency water tanker supply can fulfil the water needs of people, efforts to revive these waterbodies are negligible. Hydrogeoloists working in these areas have raised the red flag as the water level is going deeper with every season. Reports of Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) on the depleting water levels of Delhi have asked for the revival of the waterbodies. “Water tankers and borewells will not be of much help to meet the basic needs of water during water scarcity situations, if the water level is low,” the report said.
Dr Fiyaz Khudsar, Delhi University Professor, told The Pioneer stagnant form of water is good for aquifers and soil as well. “Not only the Government institutions but people are also aware of the importance of waterbodies, said Professor Khudsar, who is working on Yamuna Biodiversity Park Project and has been batting for the revival of dying waterbodies in the city.
“Revival of waterbodies is a must. Besides the basic requirements, these waterbodies help to maintain eco-balance, which is necessary in a city like Delhi,” said Professor Khudsar.
Notably, waterbody in Devli area of South Delhi has remained “seasonal wet” but has been encroached upon and condition of this waterbody is bad. “The natural waterbody is within the forest area. Way leading to the waterbody has been encroached upon by people. The Forest Department was directed to get the encroachment removed but to date nothing has been done,” a report of the city's revenue department said.
It is important to recall that during municipal poll campaigns, people living in Devli, Pushp Vihar, Hauz Khas, Madangir, Mehrauli and Saket had highlighted the water problems in their respective areas especially during summer. Besides parking and sanitation, problem of drinking water has been their main issue.
VD Sinha, officer in Ministry of Home Affairs, (MHA) said water shortage problem needs to be addressed on priority.
Aslam Sarfraz, a multimedia professional and a resident of Mehrauli said, “Why is it so that the people living in the green belt suffer most from the water scarcityIJ In May, June, we rely on limited water supply through water tankers.”
Not only Devli but waterbodies in the other areas of South Delhi such as Fatehpur Beri, have been converted in to a barren land owing to the criminal neglect of the authorities. However, the official status of the body is, “Partially wet.” The Government records mentioned that plantation to be done. “There is a temple on spot. Boundary walls have been constructed by the Irrigation and Flood Control Department (I & FC). The BDO was directed to hand over the waterbody to the I&FC Department.”
Condition of Gadai pur waterbody is even worse. “Request of installation for Water Harvesting System has been sent to the Delhi Jal Board (DJB). To develop water, plantation is required. The developing agency was directed to construct water harvesting system at site,” said the official status of Delhi Parks and Garden Society department of the city Government.
There are three waterbodies existing in Asola. Of them one is in forest range, the other comes under Kinni Farm House. However, as per the official records, waterbody is vacant. Kikar and other trees are growing on the waterbody land. A proposal for construction of boundary wall by I&FC is in the process.
The waterbody in Aya Nagar too has been encroached upon by constructing a temple and shops. The Revenue authorities were directed to carry out proper demarcation of the waterbody and remove the encroachment but nothing has been done so far.
Waterbody in Adhchini falls under the NCERT campus area and there are no details available for this waterbody in the Government records. The demarcation is pending with Government officials as the waterbody comes under Bhatti range.
Waterbodies, which fall under Chattarpur area, have been encircled by unauthorised colonies. According to the revenue records, the waterbody covering an area of around 33-12 is stated to be leased out to Chatterpur Mandir by the Gram Sabha. The revenue record indicated that the land has been given on lease for religious activities.
In Chirag Delhi, the “waterbody has not been identified by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).
The waterbody in Hauz Khas area is well developed by INTACH. The waterbody has the capacity of 90,000 cubic meters while the Hauz Rani waterbody has been turned into a garbage dump site. Government records said inspection was to be done and report to be submitted but nothing has been done so far..