HYDERABAD: Even as groundwater levels take a plunge in the mandal, Serlingampally sees at least four new applications for a new borewell, everyday. And shockingly only 10 per cent of these applications see the dustbin. Experts warn that although a need for water is driving this boring spree, all these wells will remain dry for most parts of the year.
“In Rangareddy district’s 27 mandals, only 5 have received excess rain while the others had a 20-40 per cent deficit, so majority of the wells will have water only during the rainfall season as there is no static ground water left,” informed Chandra Reddy, district groundwater officer.
The natural terrain of the West Zone and recent rainfall patterns in the state are responsible for the lowering groundwater levels, he added.
When it comes to keeping the number of wells in check, the authorities find their hands tied by lack of regulations rejecting applications of new borewells. “Water is everybody’s right,” says Reddy, “Most of these applications for domestic connections and so they cannot be denied. There are no laws in place to reject requests. So in most cases we give them technical nod but only up to 400 feet with a diameter of 6.5 inches.”
But sources say that little effort goes into ensuring they are followed. The revenue department responsible for the implementation and final permits hardly ever check if the dimensions are as laid out by guidelines. “Every plot now has a borewell. It is difficult to keep a tab on them, we only act on complaints raised,” said a revenue official.
Given the acute shortage of groundwater, most of the residents do not stop at the maximum depth of 400 feet and continue digging in the hope of finding water at a deeper level. In order to complete the extra digging, the digging-machines have been running round the clock, creating a nuisance for the neighbours.
“These drillers go on drilling days and nights together because beside My Home Vihanga apartments they go deeper in hope of getting some water. The dust, pollution and noise is a nuisance for us,” said Ramanjeet Singh a resident. Locals also allege that corruption on behalf of the revenue officials has a role to play as well.
Meanwhile, the MRO officials claim zero complaints registered. In last one month, two borewell machines were seized after found operating illegally, they said.