New Delhi: Delhi’s ongoing campaign against the illegal extraction of groundwater has hit an unusual roadblock. Authorities are unable to trace 153 illegal borewells due to inaccurate records. Incorrect addresses, names, and mobile numbers have made it difficult to seal these borewells, according to the latest report submitted by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) to the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
Over 20,000 Illegal Borewells Identified in Delhi
The report states that the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) had identified 20,297 illegal borewells across the capital. Of these, 15,962 borewells have been sealed by district authorities, and 3,875 borewells have been voluntarily shut down by their owners. However, due to incorrect or missing information, 153 borewells remain untraceable.
Court Orders and Administrative Details
According to the report, 142 borewells still need to be sealed. Additionally, 160 borewells are under court stay, while 5 borewells have received clearance from the DLAC (District Level Approval Committee). The report also clarifies that groundwater regulation powers in Delhi are vested with the Lieutenant Governor (LG), who delegates authority under the Ground Water Regulation Directions, 2010 to District Magistrates (DMs) and Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs).
Role of the Delhi Jal Board
The DJB is responsible only for reporting illegal borewells. The actual sealing process is carried out by DMs and SDMs with police assistance. Responsibility for collecting environmental recovery fines also lies with the district administration.
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