Action against those using groundwater for irrigation,

In a move to contain depleting water table in the national capital, Delhi government will now take action against those using groundwater for irrigation and horticulture purposes.
The Environment department of the Delhi government has sought permission in this regard so that Deputy Commissioners can take necessary action against violators under the Ground Water Regulation and Management notification dated July 12, 2010, Delhi government officials said.
All the concerned agencies like DDA, CPWD, PWD, Municipal Corporations, NDMC and others have been directed to use treated waste water instead of groundwater for irrigation and horticulture purposes in order to mainatin the water table, they said.

The issue was highlighted in the high level committee on pollution set up under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary.
According to a report by Delhi Jal Board (DJB) regarding use of borewell water in Dwarka sub-city, about 128 tubewells and borewells are being used by the DDA for horticulture purposes, Additional Secretary, Environment said.
The nearest sewage treatment plant (STP) in Dwarka is at Sector 16, Papankalan, which can supply about 20 MGD treated effluent, fit for irrigation and horticulture purposes.
The DDA has also laid conveyance system from this STP to Sector 21 Dwarka by way of constructing drains, reservoir and pump houses.

This infrastructure is presently lying abandoned and can be put to good use considering the water scarcity in the city, the officials said.