The Hindu 14.03.2013
Unauthorised borewells under scanner
With the onset of summer, civic authorities have begun
checking the operation of unauthorised borewells that are used by
tankers to supply water.
The operation of such big
borewells, usually of 6” or 61/2” will adversely affect the groundwater
table in the area. With one borewell operating against the norms near
Sagarnagar, a notice has been issued under the A P Water, Land and Tree
Act (WALTA Act, 2002) to close it within 14 days.
“If the operator does not remove the borewell, we will take action and seize it,” Municipal Commissioner M.V. Satyanarayana told
The Hindu
on Wednesday.
The Act was invoked in 2010 when the city faced severe scarcity of water.
However,
the supply situation is expected to be comfortable this summer with the
reservoirs receiving copious inflows under the influence of cyclone
Nilam in November last.
Needs of residents will be met by the ‘Dial your tanker’ scheme under which the municipal corporation supplies water.
“The
supply will be made in 12 hours after calling and in case there is any
problem, residents can complain to the call centre,” Mr. Satyanarayana
said. Getting untreated water from unauthorised borewells may also lead
to health problems, he cautioned. Hotels and other establishments on the
Beach Road are also being issued notices for closure of borewells under
CRZ norms.
