Dumping of untreated sewage and blatant encroachment have become a serious threat to the survival of water bodies in the National Capital Territory (NCT). While the health of water bodies is crucial for Delhi to reduce the dependence on neighbouring States for water during emergency situations, there is an urgent need to revive the water bodies that are shrinking fast.
According to the data available on the Delhi Government official website, the total number of water bodies are 456 with many of them categorised under the status of “dry”, “underdeveloped” and “wet”.
According to water body status report of 1970, the total number of water bodies was 807 with an area of 14.41 square km, which declined by 21 per cent to 640, having an area of 8.51 square km in 2008. About 108 (23 per cent) dry water bodies have disappeared and this contributes to loss of 4.47 square km, 60 per cent of the area under the dry water bodies. Between 1997 and 1998, a total of 21 water bodies had disappeared from the map of Delhi.
Reacting on the declining numbers of water bodies, an ecologist said encroachment, illegal constructions and dumping of untreated sewage are main reasons behind the gradual extinctions of water bodies. “Although there are chances of revivals of water bodies, but the situation is alarming now,” said the ecologist.
Expert also said besides the declining numbers, deterioration of water quality is also major problem. “The waste which is dumped on water body site and sewage water are contaminating the water, the authorities should keep a watch on garbage dumping in water bodies,” said the ecologist.
“Due to inflow of waste water from the nearby residential area and dumping garbage around water bodies contaminate water, moreover, the land use in catchment areas influences water quality through inflow of nutrients, organic and inorganic contaminants and siltation,” the ecologist said further.
A Delhi University professor from Biochemistry Department said extinction of traditional water bodies and dying tradition of construction and management of these water bodies have resulted a serious decline in the level of groundwater in some parts of Delhi.
“The area of brackish water has increased by 70 per cent from 1977 to 2000. Birds like coots, which prefer clean water, have also started dwindling with the loss of habitat. Birds like the Indian purple moorhen have become uncommon in recent times and the number of frogs has declined in Delhi.”
Water bodies’ status in Delhi
There are 75 water bodies in West Delhi, while only 32 of these are tagged under the status of “wet”. The others are classified as “underdeveloped” and “encroached”. In South district, out of total 120 water bodies, 33 are in dried condition while 34 are wet. The others are either in underdeveloped condition or encroachments have been done.
In East district, 53 water bodies have been identified. However, 23 are in dry state while only three water bodies are under wet condition. In North-West district, out of 166 water bodies, 76 are in wet condition while 47 are in dry state.
The condition of water bodies in Central Delhi is quite satisfactory as out of 25 water bodies, 11 are wet while only three are in dry condition.
Issues in preservation of water bodies
According to experts, the preservation of water bodies is not the mandate of a single Government agency. The water bodies come under jurisdiction of different agencies, which are not charged with their preservation or maintenance. Thus, institutional arrangements in this regard are very weak.
A major issue is whether every single water body should be preserved as it is or should the present available water spread be maintained on a reasonably dispersed basis. It is not possible to rejuvenate all water bodies or service each of them with water supply. Many of them are far too small to make any impact on the aquifer. Should tiny water bodies or cesspools in the midst of abadi areas be preserved or should they be allowed to be filled up and maintained as greenIJ
The lost water spread is recreated elsewhere where it can be part of a larger water body and be maintained perennially as well. Awareness about the surface water bodies of Delhi and their potential is extremely low both in the Government as well as in the public mind — the public is not aware of its stakes in the preservation of water bodies. lack of proper Action Plans and constant monitoring along with follow up action, said experts.