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State will restrict digging for water
Mumbai: Alarmed at depleting water levels in the state, the
Maharashtra government has decided not to allow digging for
water beyond a depth of 60 metres.
The Maharashtra Ground Water (Development and Management) Bill aims to restrict digging for wells, bore wells and hand pumps up to 60 metres, a senior official from the water supply and sanitation department said. The state has 82% of basalt rock, which has a percolation rate of only 4%. At several places, the water level is at 300 ft to 400 ft. This could be dangerous as water below 60 metre cannot be replenished by percolation of rain water, the official said. The use of ground water in Maharashtra has been so high since 1998 that the level is decreasing further by one to three feet annually, the official said. The Bill would not only restrict digging below 60 m for industrial and agricultural purposes but even for drinking, he added. We have also identified critical zones where digging for water would not be permitted at all. A heavy fine would be imposed on an individual or any institute if it is found violating the norm, he said. AGENCIES
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Source: Times Of India, 15th April, 2010, Thursday.