Gurgaon, Aug 17 : In an attempt to lay the future road map for water security, stakeholders on Thursday came together on a common platform to deliberate on the issue of the Najafgarh drain.
The workshop titled "Transforming the Najafgarh Basin", held under the aegis of DLF Foundation, India Water Partnership and INTACH, aimed at bringing multiple stakeholders on a common platform to identify the gaps and challenges in the rehabilitation/rejuvenation of the Najafgarh basin and devise strategies to address the crisis in a holistic and sustainable manner.
"Water conversation and sewage disposal are essential issues which need to be addressed for Gurugram's proper growth and these have become an important concern for our future generation. Presently, we are sitting on a time bomb as the water table is depleting fast and nobody is caring for water conservation," chief guest and Union Minister of State for Urban Development and Planning Rao Inderjit Singh said.
He said the Centre was doing its bit while the DLF Foundation too was contributing but the government's efforts alone were not enough and the private sector should also contribute under its corporate social responsibility.
Earlier, Gurugram Municipal Corporation Commissioner V. Umashankar said the civic body had taken up rejuvenation of water bodies in a phased manner.
First, ponds of Basai, Sukhrali, Jahajgarh, and Samaspur have been taken up for rejuvenation, with the MCG trying to make it a community endeavour so that future efforts are also taken care of.
He said no embankment was present on Nazafgarh drain on the Haryana side as opposed to the Delhi side. Developing it may cost Rs 100 crore but the question is how to acquire the 700 acres for developing Nazafgarh lake that may cost around Rs 7,000 crore, the official said.
Gurugram Divisional Commissioner D. Suresh talked about water conservation and urbanisation.
He emphasised on the need for proper management of water supply. He said with more than 150 LPCD (Litres per Capita Per Day), supply of water for five to six hours daily was possible whereas there are countries supplying water 24X7 with only 100 LPCD capacity.
Deputy Commissioner Vinay Pratap Singh stressed the importance of water management at the local level itself.
Delhi Environment Secretary Keshav Chandra said urban planning was of utmost importance to avoid dumping of sewage in water bodies.
