In a move to address the rapid decline in groundwater levels, Bhopal Collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh has designated the entire district as a “water-scarce zone” and banned the drilling of new private tube wells. This decision, made under the ‘Madhya Pradesh Drinking Water Protection Act, 1986’, prohibits unauthorized borewell digging in both urban and rural areas of Bhopal. Violators face legal repercussions, including potential FIRs and up to two years of imprisonment, for non-compliance without prior approval.
The Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department reports excessive groundwater exploitation for various purposes has significantly reduced water tables, posing a threat of severe drinking water scarcity in the upcoming summer months. Collector Singh highlighted that unregulated borewell drilling worsens the depletion, endangering municipal water systems and rural hand pumps. Similar measures have been implemented in districts like Khargone and Indore to conserve resources during peak summer demand, often with seasonal bans until June or July.
This ban is part of broader state initiatives to encourage sustainable water usage amidst recurring shortages highlighted by legislators and environmental assessments. Private entities are now required to obtain explicit permission from designated authorities, such as sub-divisional officers or additional collectors, for borewell projects after proper evaluation. Residents and farmers are urged to adopt water-saving practices like rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation, and reduced wastage. Authorities are promoting the use of existing surface water sources, treated municipal supplies, and recharge projects to alleviate the crisis and ensure fair access to drinking water for Bhopal’s growing population.
The immediate enforcement of this order includes monitoring teams to ensure compliance, with citizens encouraged to report violations through district helplines or local PHE offices.
