Abnormal rise in the groundwater level has become a threat to the lives of the residents of Maharani Bagh, Kalindi Kunj and Sarita Vihar areas of South-East Delhi. Concerned residents gathered at the office of Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) at Players Building to apprise Special Secretary Kulanand Joshi of the problem.
Rise in groundwater level is hazardous for two reasons: there is strong possibility of sewer water seeping into the groundwater, and it may weaken the ground below the buildings. “We are not much aware of the good or bad effects of rising groundwater level, but it is a threat to our houses and is also having adverse impact on our health,” said a residence of Maharani Bagh.
DPCC Special Secretary Joshi tried to assuage the fears of the residents and promised that he will take up the issue with civic agencies on a priority basis.
Delhi-based environmentalists feel that people living in such areas have the high risk of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). According to the environmentalists, SBS is caused due to the waterlogging near the area of residence. “The mixing of groundwater with dirty water of drain causes indoor pollution also. People in such buildings have headache, irritation in eye, nose and throat, dry cough, dizziness and nausea,” said Gopal Krishna of Toxic Watch Alliance, Delhi. Earthquake does have an impact on the rise and fall of the groundwater level, Krishna added.
Explaining the possible spread of diseases caused by mixing of groundwater with surface water, he said, “low levels of specific pollutants, like Volatile Organic Compound (VOC), that are present underneath a building act synergistically and cause symptoms of illness.”
Rise in groundwater level also increases moisture that may lead to mosquito breeding, said a scientist.