Woes of citizens on rise as groundwater level dips

According to data released by Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB), the comparative statement of average water level in 15 areas in and around Chennai City during the month of December 2015 and December 2016, shows that there is a fall in the water level in the range of 0.97 metres to 2.92 metres below ground level. 

The overall deficit of monsoon across Tamil Nadu is (-) 61 per cent and for Chennai City, the deficit is around (-) 23 per cent. The board also constantly monitors ground water level and quality (TDS) every month through a network of 145 observation wells spread across 426 square kilometres. Going by the data, the maximum decline was in Valasaravakkam area where the depletion level went down from 1.12 metres to 3.70 metre (-2.58 metres), while Sholinganallur witnessed lowest dip from 0.65 metre to 1.62 metres ( -0.97). 

The ground water levels undergo seasonal fluctuation throughout the year and comparison of ground water level and quality has to be done with the same month of the previous year, said the statement. Meanwhile, activists have expressed concern over the situation. Sekhar Raghavan, Director, Rain Centre, Mandaveli, said “the depleting ground water level is a clear indication that we have failed to store water. Further, the officials did not desilt water bodies properly. When there was a heavy rain and floods in 2015, we never cared about the next year.” 

As far as Rain Water Harvesting System goes, it should be enforced in a full-fledged manner. “The city has witnessed 50 to 60 per cent of rainwater harvesting and still, the residents should realise the fact that such a system will pave the way for increasing ground water level,” Raghavan said.