New Delhi faces a growing water crisis, but not the kind you might expect. In the upscale Lutyens' Delhi area, the problem is too much water underground. Persistent waterlogging in low-lying zones and seepage into building basements have pushed authorities to take action.
Groundwater Assessment Reveals Alarming Trends
Early last year, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) asked the Central Ground Water Board to conduct a detailed assessment. This subsurface study lasted forty-five days. It covered fourteen specific locations across the capital's central zone.
The findings are concerning. Officials from the civic agency confirm a significant rise in groundwater levels at most monitored sites. A few spots showed a marginal decline. This situation underscores an urgent need for intervention to manage the excess subsurface water.
NDMC's Plan for Conservation and Management
Kuljeet Chahal, the vice-chairman of NDMC, explained the council's approach. The assessment is part of broader efforts to monitor groundwater conditions. It also evaluates the impact of existing rainwater harvesting systems.
"We sought technical support from the water board," Chahal stated. "We need measures to check frequent waterlogging on our roads. We are exploring solutions for pumping out excess groundwater. Revival of defunct borewells and diversion of surplus water through recharge structures are key goals."
Based on the report's findings, the NDMC has already received permission to dig new borewells at twenty locations. The agency has also approached the National Green Tribunal. It seeks approval to reopen fifty-seven out of one hundred twenty-four defunct tubewells.
The plan is to divert this excess water for irrigation and supply it to water-scarce areas. "The tribunal has sought a response from the water board," agency officials noted. "We are awaiting that response."
Detailed Data Shows Rising Water Levels at Heritage Sites
The water board shared specific survey data from monitoring between January and November 2024. The data indicates a notable rise in groundwater levels at multiple heritage and institutional sites.
Here are some key changes observed:
- Sunder Nursery Plaza: Water level increased from 5.4 meters below ground level (mbgl) in January to 4 mbgl in November.
- Shram Shakti Bhawan-1: Level rose from 8.12 mbgl to 5.23 mbgl.
- Safdarjung Tomb: Increased from 11 mbgl to 8.22 mbgl.
- Humayun's Tomb: Went from 8.4 mbgl to 7.3 mbgl.
- Agrasen ki Baoli (Dhobi Ghat): Rose from 16.8 mbgl in May to 15.5 mbgl in November.
- Mahavir Vanasthali: Increased from 21.8 mbgl to 18.2 mbgl.
- Shram Shakti Bhawan: Went from 8.6 mbgl to 5.5 mbgl.
- Shanti Path near embassy area: Rose from 20.9 mbgl to 18.8 mbgl.
However, not all locations followed this trend. At Birla Mandir, the water level dropped from 9.9 mbgl to 10.8 mbgl. Lodhi Garden (D) also saw a decline from 3.6 mbgl to 4.2 mbgl.
Identifying the Root Causes and Chronic Problem Areas
Chahal discussed the second study conducted at the beginning of last year. "It included mapping groundwater flow patterns," he said. "We identified waterlogged zones and delineated layered aquifers. Determining the causes of water accumulation was a primary focus."
The study examined the feasibility of reviving old borewells. Pumping out excess groundwater and redistributing it to water-deficient areas is a potential solution.
The civic agency has pinpointed thirty-seven chronic waterlogging points. These include Purana Quila Road back lane, Golf Links, Bharti Nagar, and Lodhi Estate and Colony. Other problematic areas are Panchkuian Road, Shanti Path underbridge, and Connaught Place middle circles. Sarojini Nagar, Raisina Road, Baba Khadak Singh Marg, and Golf Club Gate near Dr Zakir Hussain Marg also make the list.
Geological Factors and Proposed Recharge Solutions
The Central Ground Water Board's report attributes the waterlogging to a specific geological phenomenon. Groundwater flows from surrounding areas towards the eastern part of the studied zone. Subsurface geological ridges then trap the water, causing it to accumulate.
The survey also identified areas suitable for artificial recharge. It marked locations where groundwater levels were deeper than ten meters below ground level as of November 2024.
Approximately twenty sites are feasible for constructing recharge structures. These include Africa Avenue underpass, Panchsheel Marg near Samrat Hotel, and South Avenue Road. Teen Murti, Vinay Marg, and Shanti Path are also on the list.
The NDMC's comprehensive approach combines immediate relief with long-term conservation. Managing Delhi's paradoxical groundwater surge remains a critical urban challenge.
