The Jharkhand High Court has expressed grave concern over the diminishing water table in the state capital Ranchi and other regions of the state.
The Bench
A division bench comprising Justices Rongon Mukhopadhyay and Deepak Roshan presided over a public interest litigation initiated suo motu concerning the encroachment of water bodies and the decline in water sources in Ranchi.
During the proceedings, it was disclosed to the court that a study conducted by the Geological Survey of India and the Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad encompassed the entire state.
The study has substantiated a consistent decline in the water table level over the past two years in Ranchi and other parts of Jharkhand.
The PIL
While deliberating on the PIL, the division bench noted the imperative need for substantial measures to conserve water resources to ensure its availability for the state’s residents.
The high court urged both the government and experts to contemplate methods to replenish the water table in the state.
It was also revealed that the existence of lakes and ponds has been compromised over the last five decades. Insufficient rainfall has further contributed to the decline in the water table.
Ranchi Municipal Corporation stated that initiatives for water harvesting are underway in the state capital.
The municipal body assured that regular inspections are conducted to ensure compliance with water harvesting regulations by Ranchi residents.
The case is scheduled for further hearing on April 22, 2024.
