Ghaziabad News: Alert, Water Crisis Looms Large! City Declared ‘Red Zone’ as Groundwater Levels Plummet

Ghaziabad has entered in a critical situation due to the sharp decline in its groundwater level. This worrisome development has labelled the district as a “red zone,” indicating a severe water scarcity threat. Ghaziabad isn’t alone in facing this challenge, as districts like Bundelkhand, Mahoba, Lalitpur, Jhansi, Banda, and Hamirpur are also experiencing a considerable decrease in their groundwater reserves.

District Authorities Take Notice

The district administration of Ghaziabad has expressed serious concern over the rapidly falling water table. A survey initiated in January by the District Geological Management Committee revealed a shocking truth: over 30,000 small and large industrial units have been illegally extracting groundwater for years.

Unchecked Water Exploitation Takes its Toll

This uncontrolled exploitation of water resources has jeopardized not only the surface water sources but also the crucial underground reserves. A report by the Ground Water Department confirms this grim reality. In just seven years, between 2016 and 2023, the groundwater level in Ghaziabad has dropped a staggering seven meters, going from 24.9 meters to a concerning 33 meters.

Cracking Down on Illegal Practices

Prompted by the alarming report, the district administration has taken action. They began surveying industrial units suspected of illegal groundwater extraction. Ghaziabad houses over 30,000 small and large industries spread across numerous industrial areas. Unfortunately, only a handful possess legal groundwater connections.

Uneven Implementation of Surveys

The initial investigation discovered widespread illegal groundwater usage in industrial areas like Loni, Tronica City, Rupnagar, and Bulandshahr Road. A list of such violators was compiled. However, reports suggest that surveys in other areas were halted before proper commencement, with the department allegedly preoccupied with Lok Sabha election preparations.