PMO forms panel to report on groundwater levels in Delhi

NEW DELHI: The city's falling groundwater levels have finally caused some alarm in the government. A committee has been set up under directions of the Prime Minister's office, headed by the chairman of the Central Ground Water Authority, to submit a report on Delhi's rainwater harvesting (RWH) and groundwater status to the ministry of water resources in three months.

At a meeting held at the LG office recently, Delhi Jal Board and the environment department came together to formulate a strategy to properly implement RWH and ensure better funds for RWH in Delhi. DJB has almost finalized two agencies that will work as a one-window stop for applicants looking to get RWH done on their premises. The pilot project will start with south and southwest districts which have the worst groundwater levels. "In each district, 100 built-up areas of 2,000 sq m or more will be taken up for RWH. Work will include identifying such places, promoting RWH, providing technical design, getting necessary approvals and getting approval for government schemes under which the projects can be financed," said sources. Work is expected to start next month.

According to the expression of interest, applicants should have teams of sufficiently qualified technical, administrative and field staff for proper implementation of the programme. They also needed to have experience of conducting at least 10 programmes on creating awareness on rainwater harvesting and conservation of water during the last seven years, out of which five are to be in Delhi.

DJB will also increase the amount of grant provided for RWH. "The Rs 1 lakh we give may be inadequate and we will increase that amount. Now, 100% grant is available for RWH under the 'My Delhi, I Care' scheme which has also set aside Rs 5 crore for each district for RWH harvesting and other issues. An additional Rs 1 crore each year will be allotted for RWH to four districts where groundwater levels are critical. These are south, southwest, west and northwest," said Debashree Mukherjee, CEO, DJB.

DJB has begun giving 10% rebate in water bills to those who have adopted RWH. Mukherjee said monitoring will be strengthened to ensure RWH is done by those for whom it is mandatory, which are plots with a built-up area of 200 sq m or more. "A penalty may be imposed on those not having RWH but that will be monitored by the environment department," said sources.

with thanks : Times of India : LINK