Need to Conserve and Recharge Yamuna’s Floodwaters to address Water Crisis -Dr. Shiv Singh Rawat

To find effective solutions for overcoming the water crisis, Dr.Shiv Singh Rawat, Convener of the “Save Yamuna Campaign” and former Superintending Engineer of the Irrigation Department, Haryana, shares his insights on the necessity of budgetary provisions for water conservation and recharge.

Haryana state is facing severe water scarcity. Faridabad and Palwal districts also experiencing acute water shortages, the dependence on groundwater has increased drastically, leading to an annual decline of nearly two feet in the water table. Meanwhile, during the monsoon season, the Yamuna floods result in millions of cusecs of water being wasted, causing large-scale devastation. This dual crisis- scarcity in summers and excessive water during monsoons- necessitates urgent action. If managed efficiently, even a portion of this floodwater could be stored and utilized to alleviate water shortages and replenish the depleting groundwater levels.

One of the primary solutions proposed is the Floodwater Storage & Groundwater Recharge Project, which aims to develop storage areas on 100 acres of land each in Faridabad and Palwal. This project, with an estimated cost of ₹30-50 crore, could store 15,000-20,000 million liters (ML) of water, significantly raising the groundwater levels by up to two meters. The project can be initiated on government-owned or leased land as a pilot initiative before being expanded further. By ensuring water availability during summers, this project can help reduce farmers’ dependence on tube wells, thereby slowing down groundwater depletion.

Another crucial aspect of water conservation is the revival of water bodies, lakes and village ponds, which serve as natural groundwater recharge points. The restoration of major ponds in Faridabad (such as Ghorasan and Chhainsa) and Palwal (Tappa and Hasanpur) could contribute significantly to groundwater recharge. By excavating these ponds and installing 16 groundwater recharge wells, approximately 5,000 ML of water can be recharged annually. The estimated cost of ₹5 crore makes this an affordable and highly effective solution. Moreover, the development of village pond with cluster approach in 20-25 villages can maximise conservation efforts and ensure sustainable water management across multiple regions.

Faridabad, in particular, faces a severe drinking water deficit of 125 MLD while also dealing with frequent urban flooding during monsoons. To address both issues, Rawat suggests constructing underground water storage facilities beneath public spaces such as stadiums, parks, and playgrounds on the pattern of Israel. These underground reservoirs could store around 15,000 ML of water, ensuring a steady supply for at least 120 days during peak shortages. A similar approach can be implemented in Palwal, ensuring that urban areas have backup water sources during dry months. Additionally, large-scale robust rainwater harvesting systems must be installed to meet daily water requirements. Setting up 550 rainwater harvesting structures, at an estimated cost of ₹85 crore, could help reduce dependency on groundwater and create a sustainable water supply model.

The Budhiya nalaProject is another vital initiative that integrates flood mitigation with groundwater recharge. This three-phase project includes converting the last 10 km of the Budhiya Drain into a recharge channel to store Yamuna’s excess water. Additionally, recharge structures should be built to manage urban flooding and prevent waterlogging during heavy rains. In its final phase, the project envisions the development of a recreational park along the Yamuna River, which would not only promote environmental conservation but also serve as a public leisure space. Together with the lake recharge initiative, these projects could contribute up to 25,000 ML of groundwater recharge, ensuring a 100-day supply for rain wells. The estimated cost for these initiatives stands at ₹25 crore, making them both feasible and impactful.

One of the most pressing issues affecting water quality in Haryana is the pollution of the Agra and Gurgaon Canals, which carry untreated wastewater from Delhi’s Okhla Barrage. This contaminated water, used for irrigation, is severely affecting crop health and has been linked to an increase in diseases such as cancer in several villages. To combat this, the Haryana government must invest in wastewater treatment technologies, drawing inspiration from global models such as Israel and Singapore. Rawat suggests implementing phyco-remediation, a natural technique using algae to purify water, which could significantly improve water quality without excessive costs. The estimated annual budget required for treating 1,000 MLD of wastewater from the Agra Canal at Kitwadi Head and its branches in Hodal, Hathin, and Palwal is around ₹60-70 crore. If executed effectively, this initiative could provide cleaner water for irrigation and improve public health outcomes.

Another crucial measure to strengthen water security is large-scale afforestation along the Yamuna River and other wastelands. Expanding green cover on barren lands and panchayat-owned lands can help in groundwater retention, enhance biodiversity, and contribute to overall environmental sustainability. Increased vegetation also reduces soil erosion, preventing silt accumulation in water bodies, which in turn improves their storage capacity.

To effectively implement these solutions, the Haryana government must allocate a dedicated budget of ₹250-300 crore in the upcoming fiscal year. These investments would ensure long-term water sustainability, improve agricultural productivity, and protect communities from severe diseases linked to water contamination. With well-structured planning and efficient policy interventions, these initiatives could transform the current water crisis into an opportunity for sustainable development. By acting now, Haryana can secure its water future while safeguarding the health and livelihoods of its people.