Jaipur: In a bid to tackle the acute water crisis gripping the state capital, the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) and Ground Water Department (GWD) minister has announced the government’s ambitious plan to set up sewage treatment plants (STPs) and dig wells along the Dravyavati River in Jaipur.
Officials have highlighted the pressing issue of declining groundwater levels in Jaipur, which have plummeted to nearly 1,000 feet below ground level. This alarming decline has resulted in households relying on bore pumps facing severe water shortages. Additionally, water tankers, which source water from bore pumps, are struggling to meet the escalating demand. A significant factor contributing to this downward trend in groundwater levels is attributed to the Dravyavati River Rejuvenation Project. While the project aimed to clean the river water and beautify the localities along the riverbank, its unintended consequence has been the cementing of river banks and ground over a 50-kilometer stretch. This has hindered groundwater recharge significantly.
Under the previous Vasundhara Raje government, the rejuvenation project saw the construction of five STPs by Tata Project in Bassi, Sitarampura, Devri, Sanganer, Bambala, and Goner. These STPs were instrumental in treating sewage water from Jaipur and replenishing the river with clean water.
To counteract the adverse effects of the Dravyavati River Rejuvenation Project and address the water crisis, the current government plans to install STPs and dig wells at every kilometer along the river. This strategic move aims to recharge groundwater levels and alleviate the water scarcity plaguing Jaipur.
The government’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to resolving pressing environmental challenges and ensuring sustainable water management for the citizens of Jaipur.
