Use recycled water for construction in DLF colonies: Gurugram civic body to builder

GURUGRAM: The MCG on Friday directed the developer of DLF licensed colonies to use only recycled water for construction activities in an attempt to tackle water shortage in the area.

Potable water, according to the civic body, is being used for construction activities going on in DLF colonies and other areas in the city. An MCG official said underground water is being extracted for construction work illegally. The developer has been warned of disconnection of water supply and a heavy penalty will be slapped on it if any violation is found. MCG chief engineer Thakur Lal Sharma said using potable drinking water or underground water for construction activities is an illegal act.

In a letter to DLF executive director, Sharma stated that the developer should not release drinking water for construction activities and groundwater will not be allowed to be extracted by any individual. “The MCG has set up 41 sewage treatment plants (STP) at various locations in the city. Recycled water can be taken from these locations or from the plants set up by GMDA. If any site owner or individual is found to be using potable water for construction activities, an action shall be initiated. The water connection will be snapped and a heavy penalty will be imposed on the violator,” said Sharma in his letter.

Several sites in the colonies, according to officials, borewells have been installed for extracting water for construction. To strictly implement the order, the civic body has directed junior engineers to visit these construction sites and check the source of water used at these sites. Another official said illegal use of groundwater is one of the major reasons behind water shortage, which forces residents to rely on water tankers.

Councillor Rama Rani Rathee said she has received several complaints alleging water crisis. In DLF 1 and 2, there are at least 400 sites where construction work is going on, due to which residents are not getting sufficient water supply. “We had written to MCG, urging it to take strict action against the offenders so that residents can get their share of water,” she said.

Dhruv Bansal, a spokesperson for QERWA, said the RWA is also planning to constitute a team of volunteers, who will keep a vigil to prevent water wastage and control its misuse. “While residents are deprived of sufficient water to meet their daily needs, potable water is being used for construction activities, which is completely illegal”. In its reply to MCG, DLF said the company has cautioned vendors, contractors and builders on these sites to use only recycled and STP water for construction.