Drawing water from your borewell? Then pay RS 3 per litre!

[Padmanabha Vyasamoorthy]

Hyderabad: A recently published draft regulation for digging and using
bore wells in Secunderabad Cantonment has stirred a wave of
apprehension among residents, who may soon have to pay for extracting
groundwater.

The proposed charges, delineated in the draft, aim to regulate and
control the consumption of groundwater in the region.

According to the draft, residents extracting groundwater of more than
100 litres per day will incur a charge of Rs 3 per kilo litre.
Commercial and industrial users extracting above 50 litres per day
will have to shell out Rs 10 per kilo litre.

The rates are in accordance with the 'Guidelines to regulate and
control groundwater extraction in India' issued by the Union Jal
Shakti Ministry and may be subject to amendments.

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While the regulations stress the importance of proper documentation,
registration, and periodic checks to ensure the quality and
sustainable use of groundwater, the proposed charges have raised
concerns among residents and local entities.

Ravindra Sanki, general secretary of the local NGO Vikas Manch,
expressed dismay, saying, "If it costs three rupees today, they will
charge Rs 20 in two years, and we can do nothing about it. We already
have numerous issues regarding roads, drains, and others. We don't
need a new one involving something as basic as water."

Vikas Manch and several residents are to take up the issue with the
Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB) and senior officials.

Sanki emphasised the importance of considering the suggestions and
objections of residents, citing past instances where such inputs were
ignored.

The draft, issued on December 27, invites suggestions and objections
from the public, which will be considered within 30 days from the date
of notice. Non-compliance with the regulations, including selling
extracted groundwater without permission, can result in fines,
suspension of permission, and sealing of bore wells.

Highlighting the broader perspective, "the draft not only aims to
regulate charges but also the need for sustainable water management.
Residents and commercial entities are mandated to undergo rainwater
harvesting and comply with various regulations to promote responsible
water usage within the Cantonment," said an SCB official.

Dr P Vyasamoorthy / 9490804278