Bhuj civic body to develop new water source

BHUJ, Nov 16: Alarmed at the only available underground water source drying up in the Kukma-Bhujodi belt, Bhuj municipality plans to develop a new site near Bharapar village with financial assistance from the State government, says president Pravinsinh Vadher.

He says the water table of 12 of the 14 working tubewells has gone down to 350 feet and a recent survey has predicted that the water would turn saline after the level drops to another 50 feet in the next few years. He says the fall is due to excessive drawing by the 100-odd tubewells belonging to private parties and government agencies. Since there is no scope for digging anymore bore, the civic body found a new dependable site near Bharapar village which may last for over 25 years. But it requires Rs 5 crore, Vadher says, adding they have approached the Government.

He regrets that GEB charges industrial rate for supply to water works, and says the civic body pays nearly Rs 80 lakh a year on this account.