A comprehensive district-wide survey in Gurgaon has uncovered a stark reality: 78% of traditional dug wells are no longer in use. This finding underscores a severe decline in the region's age-old groundwater conservation structures, raising alarms about water security.
The Gurujal Survey: Scope and Methodology
Conducted over 45 days in September and October 2025, the extensive survey covered more than 200 villages across Gurgaon district. It documented a total of 424 dug wells, painting a detailed picture of their current state. The inventory was carried out as part of the Gurujal initiative by the Abhipsa Foundation.
To ensure accuracy and local insight, data collection was entrusted to four scientists, each a native of different blocks within Gurgaon and selected for their expertise in water conservation and well-rejuvenation. Their methodology was thorough:
- Measuring well depth and water levels using weighted ropes and measuring tapes.
- Documenting usage patterns, seasonal water availability, and contamination risks.
- Noting the proximity of each well to nearby ponds.
The resulting dataset underwent rigorous verification through spot checks, cross-village validation, and unannounced field visits. This process addressed a long-standing "lack of updated, comprehensive, and georeferenced information" on dug wells, which has historically hampered planning for recharge or restoration projects.
Alarming Findings: Inactive Wells and Missing Infrastructure
The survey's statistics reveal a system in crisis. Of the 424 wells documented, only 71 remain operational. A staggering 331 wells are inactive, and 19 have been permanently sealed. This represents a "critical loss of traditional water infrastructure" that once formed the backbone of rural water supply.
Perhaps more concerning is the near-total absence of supportive infrastructure. The report notes that only 3% of wells (roughly 13 wells) are equipped with rainwater harvesting systems. This means 411 wells are not functioning as potential recharge points, a missed opportunity as groundwater levels in northern and northeastern Gurgaon have plummeted to between 631 and 752 feet below ground, classifying these zones as high-stress areas.
The condition of ponds near wells further exacerbates the problem. The survey found that 92.9% of existing ponds near wells are wastewater ponds, which pose serious contamination risks instead of aiding recharge. Merely 7% are freshwater ponds suitable for safe infiltration. Additionally, nearly two-thirds of wells lack a nearby pond altogether, cutting off natural recharge opportunities.
Seasonal vulnerability is another key issue, with 22.9% of wells drying up completely during the summer months. This leaves numerous villages without a functional backup source precisely when water demand peaks.
Geographic Spread and Pilot Restoration Success
The survey also mapped the concentration of dug wells across the district. Gurgaon block has the highest number with 142 wells, followed by Pataudi and Sohna with 97 each, and Farrukhnagar with 88.
Importantly, the study included two pilot restoration projects that demonstrate a viable path forward. In Khandewla village, teams removed 46.8 cubic meters of waste from a defunct well and connected it to the rooftops of four nearby houses, covering 603 square meters. This intervention successfully recharged 189.9 kiloliters of water through redirected rainfall.
In Daulatabad, restoration went beyond mere functionality, reviving the well as a "cultural heritage and community gathering space" through structural repairs and aesthetic improvements.
Expert Calls to Action and Official Response
Dr. Fawzia Tarannum, co-founder and strategic lead of GuruJal, emphasized the urgent policy implications of the survey's findings. She stated that the data makes it mandatory to consider several actions:
- Mandating rainwater harvesting connections for all new construction within 200 meters of existing wells.
- Creating a district-level well revival fund.
- Enforcing stricter regulation of wastewater ponds near wells.
- Establishing community-led monitoring through village water committees.
Dr. Tarannum also called for the new georeferenced database to be institutionalized as a living resource to guide future groundwater planning and investment.
Officials at the district's groundwater cell have welcomed the inventory, acknowledging it as the first complete dataset on Gurgaon's dug well network. An official remarked, "This is the first time we have a complete, verified dataset of dug wells under one roof. It gives us a clear picture of what has survived, what has been lost, and where restoration and recharge efforts must begin on priority." The data will now be used to identify priority areas for immediate restoration and recharge interventions.
