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CGWB Recommends Revival of Defunct Tubewells in Central Delhi

2026-01-20

The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) has recommended the revival of defunct tubewells and the creation of artificial recharge structures in parts of Central Delhi after observing a rising trend in groundwater levels, officials of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) said.

According to a CGWB report accessed by HT, hydrographs of sub-surface aquifers in Lutyens’ Delhi indicate improving groundwater conditions. Based on this assessment, the board has suggested reviving 57 defunct tubewell sites where the water table is high, along with the development of artificial groundwater recharge structures at 20 locations that experience frequent waterlogging during the monsoon season.

The report notes that the NDMC area is underlain by unconsolidated sediments of Quaternary to recent age quartzite. The depth to bedrock varies significantly across locations, ranging from 5 metres below ground level (mbgl) at Buddha Jayanti Park to 91 mbgl at Pragati Maidan, 74 mbgl at Lodhi Garden and 16 mbgl at Rashtrapati Bhavan. During the post-monsoon phase, the minimum groundwater level recorded was 4.05 mbgl at Sunder Nursery, while the maximum level was 18.29 mbgl at Mahavir Vanasthali.

CGWB observed that groundwater flows from surrounding areas towards the eastern part of the study area, where it stagnates due to subsurface obstructions. The water table contours near Parliament House indicate accumulation from multiple directions, while in southern areas, groundwater flows from south to north, leading to accumulation within the shallow aquifers of the Lodhi Garden region.

NDMC had identified 37 chronic waterlogging points, following which CGWB recommended recharge structures at 20 sites, including Connaught Place’s P Block, BKS Road, Raisina Road, Shanti Path, Vinay Marg and Panchkuian Road. Of 124 tubewells earlier closed following National Green Tribunal orders, 57 have been recommended for revival, subject to sustainable pumping norms.

NDMC vice-chairperson Kuljeet Chahal said, “Kuljeet Chahal, vice-chairperson, NDMC, said CGWB will assist NDMC in implementing the project, adding that additional recharge structures will help address waterlogging, while revived tubewells will be used for horticulture in areas with a high water table.”

News source: Hindustan Times

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