In a move aimed at safeguarding Noida’s water resources, the Noida Authority has taken a firm stance against builders indulging in illegal groundwater extraction. The authority has written to the Gautam Budh Nagar district administration, urging them to take strict action against developers in Sectors 153, 154, and 156. This comes in response to a surge in public complaints regarding “dewatering” practices during construction, a process that involves large-scale pumping of groundwater, leading to rapid depletion of water tables.
The situation has caused concern among Noida residents already facing water scarcity issues. To address this, the Noida Authority CEO, Lokesh M, highlighted the urgency of the matter in his letter. He emphasized the negative environmental impact of dewatering and its potential to disrupt the city’s water supply.
The district magistrate, Manish Kumar Verma, has assured the Noida Authority of a swift response. This includes sealing borewells used for illegal extraction and imposing hefty fines on errant developers. The amount of the fine will be calculated based on the quantity of water extracted, serving as a strong deterrent against future violations.
This crackdown by the Noida Authority is a positive step towards ensuring a sustainable water supply for the city’s residents. It highlights the growing concern over water resource management in urban areas and the need for stricter regulations to prevent exploitation of groundwater. With continued vigilance and enforcement, the Noida Authority’s efforts can pave the way for a more responsible approach to water usage in the construction industry.
