Gurgaon takes up GPS to curb water theft

Taking a tough stand on illegal extraction of ground water, the Gurgaon administration has ordered that registered drilling machines and tankers be installed with a GPS device.

Deputy commissioner, Gurgaon, PC Meena, issued a notice under section 144 CrPC and set July 15 as the deadline for all machines to be equipped with the tracking device.

The owners of drilling machines and tanker suppliers who violate the orders after July 15 will be booked under Section 188 of Indian Penal Code and their equipments will be seized. If found flouting the new rule, they will have to serve one month of jail and shell out a fine of Rs 200.

“Gurgaon’s ground water level is depleting at a fast rate and excess and illegal extraction of ground water, for whatever purpose, is the main reason behind it,” said an official.

This move will help police nab the illegal drilling machines operating in the district.

Meena has also issued a notice that no drilling activity shall be carried out between 6pm and 6am, the most vulnerable time for illegal drilling of borewells.

The Gurgaon Police has also been asked to keep a watch on tankers and drilling machines operating in the city.

Nodal officer of the project and ground water cell hydrologist MS Lamba has been directed to submit fortnightly progress report to the district administration.

Last year, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had banned the use of ground water for construction purposes in the district. The court had said no permission will be granted for digging new tubewells and borewells in the region.