'Construction sites drain potable water': GMDA wants strict action in Gurgaon

Gurgaon: GMDA has said significant quantities of drinking water are being diverted for construction purposes, worsening the city's water scarcity and threatening the availability of safe water for residents. Seeking "immediate and decisive action" to stop the practice," the Authority on Monday asked the department of town and country planning (DTCP) and MCG to take strict measures against "misuse of potable water".

Last month, residents of Sushant Lok 2 and 3 also raised concerns about the rampant misuse of potable water for construction activities. RWA president of Sushant Lok 2 and 3 Pawan Kumar Yadav said, "It has been over a month since we highlighted the issue, but there has been complete silence from MCG."

Yadav said, "Several construction sites continue to use drinking water, blatantly violating municipal guidelines. Residents are suffering and buying tankers while these activities go on unchecked."

The authority has urged these bodies to impose fines on individuals and developers found wasting potable water and ensure strict compliance with construction norms.

Residents from various areas have complained about facing daily struggles due to low water pressure and inadequate supply.

President of Zara Aavaas Buyers Association Hemant Sharma said the society is sanctioned for 430 KLD but is currently receiving only around 300 KLD for 800 families.

Sharma said, "This has been happening for the past 15 days. While there was some improvement for two days, the situation worsened again. The pressure is very low. We filed complaints with GMDA, but there was no respite. Because of the shortfall, we are forced to rely on water tankers, which is putting a financial strain on residents."

MCG officials said they are aware of the issue and will soon launch an enforcement drive.

MCG chief engineer Vijay Dhaka said, "We are well aware of the water scarcity and the rise in demand during summer. MCG will issue challans to those found using potable water for construction activities. Strict action will be taken against violators."

Meanwhile, GMDA has started a trial run for the fourth filtration unit at the Chandu Budhera Water Treatment Plant (WTP) to augment the city's water supply. Currently, GMDA supplies 270 MLD from the Basai WTP, while Chandu Budhera provides 300 MLD. The new 100 MLD unit, once commissioned, will increase the city's total supply capacity to 670 MLD.

The trial involves performance testing of pumps, filtration systems, backwash facilities and quality control parameters to ensure treated water meets safety and efficiency standards before being integrated into the city's supply network.

The GMDA official said, "The trial run started on Saturday. We are testing mechanical systems, checking flow rates, inspecting filtration quality and rectifying any faults observed during operations. If all parameters stabilise, we expect to commission the fourth unit within a week. Once operational, this will significantly improve our ability to meet the city's water requirements."