Noida land being de-watered illegally

Team L&M

Construction work is currently underway at Microsoft India’s project site in Sector 145, Noida. It has been reported that large-scale de-watering and excessive extraction of groundwater are taking place at the site. Several dozen borewells have been installed, through which fresh groundwater is being pumped out and discharged into drains, leading to severe wastage and potential water pollution. There are also allegations that groundwater is being used directly for construction purposes.

This continuous extraction of groundwater is happening despite the fact that Noida is already facing a critical groundwater crisis, and the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has categorically prohibited such de-watering practices in its earlier orders.

“The day before yesterday, after receiving information about this issue from a concerned citizen, we immediately filed a formal complaint with the Noida Authority and other relevant departments,” says Environment Conservationist Vikrant Tongad. “Subsequently, the Noida Authority informed us that a notice has been issued to stop the de-watering activity. However, when our team visited the site, de-watering was still found to be continuing,” he adds.

To ensure strict action, Tongad has now submitted a complaint to the Ministry of Jal Shakti (Central Ground Water Board), the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the District Magistrate (Noida), and the U.P. Ground Water Department. “An immediate intervention is a must to stop the illegal extraction of groundwater and to impose appropriate fines and environmental compensation as per law for the wastage already caused,” says Tongad, adding that development must go hand in hand with the protection of natural resources. “All construction activities should be carried out strictly in accordance with environmental laws and regulations,” he says.