GURUGRAM: Union minister and Gurgaon MP Rao Inderjit Singh highlighted on Saturday the rampant violations of water conservation regulations in residential homes and industrial facilities. He emphasized the need for biannual inspections of water conservation measures even after occupancy certificates (OC) are granted.
If any deficiencies are identified, the OCs should be revoked. Singh noted that although legislation is in place for significant residential and industrial projects to conserve water, adherence to these laws is insufficient.
Rao pointed out that builders, along with owners of large residential plots and industrial entities, are obliged to implement water conservation practices before being issued an OC. Unfortunately, this is often merely theoretical. “Strict measures must be enforced against establishments disregarding rainwater harvesting systems to ensure successful water conservation efforts,” he stressed.
He instructed officials to impose penalties on builders and sectors failing to follow water conservation protocols. Singh cautioned that the region is edging toward a critical decline in groundwater levels, and immediate action is essential to avert a serious crisis.
The minister also called for actions against residential societies and industrial units that illegally dispose of wastewater in public spaces due to the lack of sewage treatment plants (STPs).
In a meeting with officials from the Gurgaon Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), it was acknowledged that while builders and housing societies present water conservation arrangements when applying for OCs, these measures are frequently neglected thereafter.
Representatives from the Haryana Urban Development Authority indicated that rainwater harvesting is mandatory for homes on parcels exceeding 150 square yards in the HSVP sector, yet these systems are typically set up just to comply with OC requirements and often fail to operate effectively.
