In an attempt to check overexploitation of water table, the Groundwater Department has banned drilling of new borewells and drawing excess water in nine villages in Pydibhimavaram industrial zone.
The decision was taken amid the allegations that many industries in the zone are drawing excess water in violation of the Andhra Pradesh Water, Land and Tree Act, 2002 (APWALTA), resulting in depletion of water table in the area. According to the authorities, the ban has been imposed in Giddivanipalem, Pydibhimavaram, Tekkali, Mentada, Naruva and other areas. Apart from water woes, groundwater pollution is said to have emerged as another concern for the villages in these areas.
Andhra Pradesh Ground Water Department, which has the authority to ban digging of new borewells, however, is not vested with powers to take direct action on the industries and violators of the WALTA-2002.
The Industries Department, AP Pollution Control Board and Mandal level WALTA Committee are empowered to issue show-cause notice to the violators.
Srikakulam Groundwater Department’s Deputy Director P. Prasada Rao told The Hindu that the government was giving a top priority to water conservation by protection of tanks and recharging of groundwater in the affected places.
“The ongoing Neeru-Chettu programme will certainly recharge the water table. However, it is high time conservation measures be undertaken to protect the groundwater. We are creating awareness among people in this regard,” said Mr. Prasada Rao.
“We alert Rural Water Supply Department, if depletion is more so that relief measures can be undertaken,” he added.
According to him, the department will announce the details of water quality in various mandals twice a year which will come handy for the AP Pollution Control Board,
We also alert Rural Water Supply Dept., if depletion is more so that relief measures can be undertaken
P. Prasada Rao,Groundwater Dept. Deputy Director
