Sinking Resources: Groundwater crisis and sustainable solutions in Kolkata

Kolkata's underground water crisis is becoming a serious issue, driven by rapid urbanization and the construction of high-rise buildings.

- Dr. Anup Gupta

The problem stems from excessive groundwater extraction, poor management, and challenges in urban planning. Below is an overview of the factors contributing to the crisis and potential sustainable solutions.

Key Factors Contributing to the Crisis: Excessive Groundwater Extraction

Rising Demand:

Kolkata has witnessed a construction boom in recent years, with an increasing number of high-rise residential and commercial structures. These buildings rely heavily on groundwater for their water supply, especially in areas where municipal water is insufficient or unreliable. This has led to over-extraction of groundwater in many parts of the city.

Aquifer Depletion:

As a result, the water table in various areas, particularly the fastdeveloping peripheral zones, is falling rapidly. In some regions, groundwater levels have dropped by over 2 meters in recent years, creating a severe risk for the city's water security.

Unregulated Bore Wells:

Many high-rise buildings depend on private bore wells to meet their water needs. These wells often operate without proper permits or oversight, extracting groundwater unchecked. The absence of an effective monitoring system exacerbates the problem, allowing illegal bore wells to deplete water resources without accountability.

Urbanization and Population Growth

Urban Development:

Kolkata's population has been steadily growing, fueled by natural growth and migration from rural areas of West Bengal and neighboring states. This increase in population has intensified the demand for housing, leading to rapid construction of highrise buildings, particularly in the city's outskirts.

Loss of Permeable Land: