BMC restricts depth of borewells, tubewells

Says water below 100 feet is highly saline and non-potable

In a recent move, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to restrict the depth of borewells and tubewells in the city to 100 feet. This comes after the civic body asked the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Pune, to
examine the underground water in the city.

The primary report submitted by CWPRS revealed that the underground water had high saline content and was, therefore, not fit for drinking.

CWPRS found that while the quality of water in the upper layers of the earth was potable, it deteriorated on going deeper and becomes highly saline. This is largely because a considerable part of Mumbai is reclaimed sea land.

The report suggested that deep digging for borewells and tubewells could expose fresh water to saline water, thereby rendering it unfit for use. “The report suggested that if borewells and tubewells are dug beyond 100 feet, they will spoil Mumbai’s underground water content,” said additional commissioner Anil Diggikar. “Though CWPRS carried out a primary survey, experts will conduct a detailed survey after the monsoon.”

However, Diggikar added that, though the water was not potable, city residents could use it for gardening and washing purposes.

There are already 150 municipal wells from Colaba to Dahisar. BMC is trying to recharge wells so that they don’t dry up after use. Also, additional 100 bore wells will be dug after proper geological and hydrological studies are conducted on municipal plots.