Decline in underground water level raises concern

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Jhajjar and Rohtak are among the least affected districts. According to officials, one of the reasons for the decline in the underground water level is the over exploitation of available resources. Of the 116 blocks in Haryana, 71 are over exploited.

Faridabad, Jhajjar, Panchkula and Rohtak are the only districts with no such blocks. In the remaining districts, all the available underground water is being used.

The blocks are divided in the category of safe (when less than 70 per cent of underground water is utilised), semi-critical (when the usage is 70 to 90 per cent) and critical when the usage is between 90 to 100 per cent).

In 13 districts, there are no safe blocks. In the remaining districts, there are 23 safe blocks. Haryana has seven semi-critical blocks and 15 critical blocks.

As many as 17 blocks have been declared dark zones. This implies that underground water can be used only in case of extreme need.

Among these blocks is Gurgaon district, one of the largest contributors of revenue for the state. The authorities are not only concerned about the quantity of water, but the quality as well. Of the available underground water resources in the state, 50 percent is fresh water and two per cent is hilly water. However, 5 per cent water is saline and cannot be put to use. Around 12 per cent water is of marginal quality.

Permissions for borewells are not given unless it is for drinking purpose. Officials of the agriculture department said recharging of underground water resources is essential as there is a steep decline in the availability of water. For this, rainwater harvesting is the only solution.

Agriculture Minister O P Dhankar said, “A vision document is being prepared for the next 10 years. Deliberations were held recently in Karnal. Teams have been constituted to study various aspects of water conservation. This includes recharging of underground water, using technology to save water in fields and sowing crops that require less water.”