- Fast depleting groundwater table in New Delhi. Sources such as the Central Ground Water Authority say the groundwater is receding by 8 to 10 meters per year, which is 250 times more than what is replenished per year.
- Large scale dam projects have been built by the government in neighboring states to supply water to Delhi. The dams displace thousands of people in rural areas who do not receive the promised compensation for their lands. Thousands of the displaced migrate to Delhi. The dams have failed to supply the promised water to Delhi. The Yamuna River, Delhi’s main source of water, can no longer supply water to the city. The river has become sewage sludge because of the untreated waste dumped into it.
- Commonwealth Games scheduled for Delhi in 2010. Several large development projects are taking place on the Yamuna River bed to prepare for the Commonwealth Games, an event similar to the Olympics. These developments interfere with the city’s flood plains and prevent the natural flow of water into the river.
- Delhi’s ridge forest is being rapidly cut down and built upon- often illegally, and usually despite major citizen upheaval. The green belt was originally planned into the city to recharge groundwater. It is home to flora, fauna and water bodies. The loss of the greenbelt prevents groundwater from being recharged.
- Receding baolis. Several of the historical “baolis”, or large wells, planned by Delhi’s rulers in the 14th and 15th centuries have turned to waste as groundwater levels recede below the levels of the baolis. These wells could potentially recharge Delhi’s groundwater supply.
Looming rain
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