PWD considers carrying out water inspection before approving layouts
Posted on: 19/Sep/2019 12:48:34 PM
Everyone is aware of the tremendously acute water shortage problem experienced by the Chennai Metro residents this summer!
A variety of solutions to overcome this has been explored and some implemented too! The Chennai Public Works Department (PWD), on its part, has proposed to conduct a water inspection before giving approval to new housing layouts.
The PWD officials shared that the department would seek mandatory water impact assessment by the Housing and Urban Development Department for each layout before issuing approval for carving out housing plots.
Monica M, Assistant Engineer, Groundwater department, PWD, informed, “The crucial issue of water availability is not taken into consideration for approving layouts. But such issues have a bearing on groundwater levels after construction is allowed. This would help stop construction in locations with poor groundwater availability”.
PWD, in a joint effort with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, plans to study the water situation in the property where approval is sought for housing layout.
This would be done with the help of the geological department, the official added. Monica continued: “We will locate a favorable point to set up bore well. When the proposals come with water plant to be erected for commercial purposes, we provide them with no-objection certificate”.
On the other side, the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) officials expressed reservations over the move! They pointed out that the step may result in overexploitation at locations with abundant groundwater.
In this regard, a CMDA official shared: “If constructions are stopped due to non-availability of groundwater, it would end in the exploitation of natural resources in other localities, making them densely populated”.
