NOIDA: The groundwater department in Lucknow has instructed the Noida District Magistrate to take action against a builder due to excessive groundwater extraction in Greater Noida. A report is expected within 10 days. This directive follows environmentalist Vikrant Tongad’s persistent efforts, including an application submitted on April 22, which alleged that the Greater Noida Authority overlooked his complaint.
Tongad’s application stated that Migsun Builders have been engaged in extensive dewatering operations in Tech Zone for over a year. Dewatering is a specialized technique used to remove groundwater or surface water from construction sites, trenches, or mining areas, ensuring a dry and stable environment for work.
He complained that the groundwater extracted by the builder is being directly fed into the sewer system, violating regulations. He called for actions against the builder under the Uttar Pradesh Groundwater (Management and Regulation) Act, 2019, after multiple inquiries to the Authority went unanswered, with his latest complaint submitted on April 22.
Tongad informed TOI that these dewatering operations have led to a notable drop in groundwater levels throughout the region. “The water being extracted is ending up in the sewer system, putting pressure on the sewer lines that could lead to bursts and potential contamination of fresh groundwater. This could harm the aquifer permanently,” he stated. “These actions violate various legal frameworks, including the UP Groundwater Act, NGT orders, the Environment (Protection) Act, and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.”
Residents and farmers from Gharbhara village have also voiced concerns over the illegal extraction and wastage of fresh groundwater. “We’ve received numerous complaints from villagers. We have visited the site, captured evidence, and submitted a complaint to the state office for further action,” Tongad mentioned.
He has urged the state groundwater department to monitor the extraction activities and impose appropriate environmental compensation for the damage already inflicted.
