The Uttar Pradesh government is taking action against homebuyers in Greater Noida West for unauthorised groundwater extraction, issuing notices to residents of Amrapali Leisure Valley society where many have installed borewells. A penalty of INR 5 lakh is planned for the developer, Amrapali Leisure Valley Developers Private Limited, due to violations. Local authorities found that 50 villa owners have set up borewells without the necessary no-objection certificates (NOCs). While the apartment owners' association claims the developer is responsible, residents are frustrated by perceived superficial government enforcement. The issue highlights ongoing challenges in water management amid rapid urban development.
The Uttar Pradesh government is taking action against several homebuyers in Greater Noida West for unauthorised groundwater extraction. Notices have been issued to residents of the Amrapali Leisure Valley society, where many have reportedly installed borewells for personal use. The government plans to impose a penalty of INR 5 lakh on the developer, Amrapali Leisure Valley Developers Private Limited, for this violation.
A recent survey by local authorities revealed that at least 50 villa owners in the society have set up their own borewells. Additionally, the apartment owners' association (AOA) operates eight borewells to supply water to over 250 villas. However, none of these borewells have the necessary no-objection certificates (NOCs) required by law.
In Uttar Pradesh, regulations state that borewells can only be installed for bulk consumption, primarily to manage the declining groundwater levels in the region. Last month, following complaints from residents, the groundwater department in Noida issued notices to both the AOA and individual homeowners seeking clarification on the situation.
The AOA responded, claiming that the developer was responsible for installing the borewells. Currently, the National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC) is overseeing the completion of the stalled Amrapali project under court supervision. The groundwater department is now in discussions with NBCC regarding the implementation of the penalties against the developer.
Residents have expressed frustration over the government's response, describing it as superficial and lacking in effective enforcement. Many feel that the penalties should extend beyond the developer to include individuals who have installed borewells without permission. Ankita Rai, a hydrologist with the groundwater department, noted that some villa owners have recently applied for NOCs for their borewells, but these requests were rejected due to existing regulations.
Rai explained that the society already has an adequate water supply system in place through the eight operational borewells. Given this existing infrastructure, the department cannot approve individual borewell permits. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges of water management in rapidly developing areas like Greater Noida, where population growth often outpaces infrastructure development.
The issue of groundwater extraction is particularly pressing in Uttar Pradesh, where many regions face severe water shortages. The government has been working to address these challenges through stricter regulations and public awareness campaigns. However, enforcement remains a significant hurdle, as many residents continue to seek alternative water sources in the face of inadequate supply.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the government will balance the need for water conservation with the demands of a growing population. For now, residents of Amrapali Leisure Valley are left to navigate the complexities of water management and the consequences of unauthorised borewell installations.
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