Archive · 27 May 2025
Delhi Seals Illegal Borewells; Addresses Groundwater Extraction
Imagine Delhi has a big problem: people are illegally taking water from the ground using borewells.
The government is trying to stop this and has sealed thousands of these wells.
But, some wells on a list from the Delhi Jal Board can't be found.
The government is also collecting fines from those who took water illegally.
They are making a plan to fix this problem and bring water back to the earth.
They have also realized that some areas are very low on water compared to others.
Delhi government sealed 15,962 illegal borewells.
4,033 borewells on the Delhi Jal Board's list were not found.
The NGT is hearing pleas regarding illegal groundwater extraction.
Nearly Rs 1.2 crore has been collected in environmental compensation.
Delhi extracted more groundwater than it recharged in 2024.
- Who
- Delhi government, National Green Tribunal, Delhi Jal Board, and district magistrates.
- What
- Sealing of illegal borewells and addressing groundwater extraction in Delhi.
- When
- Reports and actions from Sept 2022 to Dec 2024, with ongoing enforcement.
- Where
- Delhi, India.
- Why
- To address illegal groundwater extraction and combat water scarcity.
- Illegal Borewells Sealed
- 15,962
- Borewells on DJB List Not Found
- 4,033
- Environmental Compensation Collected
- Nearly Rs 1.2 crore
- Assessment Units Over-Exploited
- 14
- Groundwater Extracted vs. Recharged (2024)
- 34,453 vs 34,190 cubic hectare metres