II-3-Groundwater Sustainability versus Urbanization-A Case Study from Haryana

Abstract

The depletion of ground water table in Gurgaon and its a neighboring district is going down in unsustainable manner, that leads water scarcity conditions in the district for various sectors. The average annual rainfall in the district is about 550 mm and not able to recharge the depleted ground water level which is occurring with high pace due to population increase and rapid urbanization pressure. Moreover the land contributing for groundwater recharge is also reducing due to increase in urban built-up areas. The total annual ground water availability of the district is 2.02X104 hams and existing overall stage of ground water development in the block is of the order of 209% which has exceeded the available recharge. This is the reason the district has been categorized as over exploited region as per the availability of the groundwater is concern. Sustainable utilization of ground water holds the key to counter the problem of declining water table. An attempt has been made in this paper to highlight the prevailing ground water scenario and the need for scientific management of this vital resource. Optimal utilization of ground water through properly designed abstraction structures constructed at suitable location can mitigate the problems of water scarcity faced during summer season in various part of the districe. Rainwater harvesting, proper run off management measures and optimal ground water conservation practices will be helpful for eradicating the problem of declining water table in the district.