Officials told to regulate sinking of borewells

 A below par monsoon and depleting groundwater level have set the alarm bells ringing, forcing the government to restrict drilling of new borewells across the state.

With the water table going below 1,000 ft in some taluks, environmentalists have raised concern. They say that consuming water available below 1,000 ft is harmful to the health of the people and livestock.

Based on the experts’ suggestion, the government, in an effort to replenish groundwater, has directed the authorities concerned to restrict drilling of borewells.
If new borewells are drilled, there is a possibility of the water table depleting to alarming levels and going permanently dry.

The deputy commissioners of the respective districts will be the deciding authority on permitting new borewells. If there is a real need, it has been made mandatory to seek permission from the deputy commissioner, ZP chief executive officer and the superintendent of police.

The government has directed the tahsildars to issue necessary information to the officials concerned, in this regard. If any violations are reported, the DCs will be held responsible, it has been warned.

In the grip of drought

With monsoon having played truant, the state is reeling under drought. The water level in the reservoirs, lakes and ponds have dipped alarmingly. The situation was similar last year too. As a result, 137 taluks across the state were declared drought-hit.

However, a good spell of rains in the beginning of the monsoon, this year, had brought hope among the farmers. But, the expectations turned into disappointment as the rainfall was scanty in the following days.

There is also fear that the water table may deplete further, affecting the drinking water needs of the people and livestock.