The fast-receding levels of underground water in most localities of Ranchi are the harbinger of a gloomy future for high-rises which are being constructed without any proper water harvesting plan. The omen is ignored by Government departments that keep norms at bay while clearing maps for such buildings.
“The underground water situation is very depressing,” said ground water department director SlS Jageshwar, adding, “The situation will deteriorate and people living in high-rises will face serious problems.”
Thanks to the poor emphasis on rainwater harvesting mechanism (RWM), the underground water level went down at a rate faster than even the rate at which high-rises rose above the ground thus forcing people to resort to potentially devastating methods. The quest for water in lavish apartments has resulted in deep bore-wells which impacts underground water in adjoining areas.
“We are facing water crisis due to deep bore-well constructed in the next apartment. I don’t know the solution to this problem,” said Manoj Kushwaha of Morhabadi.
Despite several request made by the GWD, the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) never consulted the directorate to seek approval of the RWM proposed in high-rises. RMC is authorised to clear maps of buildings proposed to be constructed in the municipal area.
“I have written so many times and even talked to the officials of RMC but the RMC never consults us while clearing maps of the high-rises,” added Jageshwar.
The GWD, notwithstanding the shortage of adequate manpower has expressed its intention to extend their support to help in the rectification of water harvesting designs.
Incidentally, the RMC received around 82 maps of high-rises so far in this year bur it has not forwarded the maps to the GWD to seek its approval on the effectiveness of RWM incorporated in the maps. The municipal body has cleared maps of as many as two apartments so far.
“We are the expert on the subject not they. We can tell them whether the RWM is viable, comprehensive and effective or not.
Meanwhile, the GWD will start measurement of underground water level from June and will complete the process by July. The measurement drive will be conducted across Jharkhand.