Kolkata faces water crisis as 1000 deep tube wells remain in use despite groundwater extraction ban

Kolkata is facing a severe water shortage, with the city's underground water table continually declining. Despite the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) imposing a ban on the installation of new deep tube wells, around 1,000 deep tube wells are still operational across various areas. These wells remain crucial sources of water, especially in parts of the city where infrastructure, such as booster pumping stations, has not yet been fully developed.

The underground water table in Kolkata has been decreasing steadily over the years, a situation exacerbated by the reduction in natural groundwater recharge sources like ponds. Historically, ponds in the city played a vital role in replenishing the water table by allowing surface water to seep into the ground. However, most of these ponds have been filled or repurposed for urban development, including the construction of multi-story buildings. This loss of natural recharge sources, combined with the rapid extraction of groundwater, has led to a significant drop in the water table, which is now reaching alarming levels in some parts of the city.

KMC has been working to address the water crisis by installing booster pumping stations, which are designed to increase the efficiency of the municipal water supply and reduce the dependency on deep tube wells. These stations are intended to pump water from the Hooghly River and purify it for use in households. While some areas of the city now have access to these stations, many remain reliant on deep tube wells due to delays in installation and operational challenges. This ongoing dependence on deep tube wells contributes to the continued depletion of the underground water table.

In addition to the depletion of groundwater, the quality of water from deep tube wells has raised significant concerns. As the water table drops, the water extracted from these wells can become contaminated with harmful substances like arsenic. The high iron content in the water extracted from some of Kolkata’s underground boring systems also makes it undrinkable. This water, which is commonly found in areas along the EM Bypass and newly incorporated zones, is unsuitable for drinking and can cause discoloration of household floors due to the iron content.

KMC officials have highlighted the need for a substantial increase in the supply of treated and purified drinking water to reduce the city's reliance on deep tube wells and underground boring systems. The KMC is focusing on expanding the infrastructure for purified water supply, but experts caution that a more sustainable solution will require comprehensive urban planning and management of groundwater resources. The ongoing water crisis in Kolkata reflects the larger challenge of balancing urban development with sustainable water resource management.