Maharashtra government bans digging of borewells deeper than 200 feet

Maharashtra Government has banned digging of borewells beyond 200 feet with a view to check the steep decline of groundwater-level across the state.
State government’s decision comes in wake of increase the digging of new borewells by farmers and private players due to water scarcity during the summers.
Those who found guilty will face a fine ranging from 10,000 rupees to 25,000 rupees or even imprisonment upto six months in case of repeated offences.
Besides this, state government has made attempt to save water in ponds and rivers in order to bring the drought-like situation in the state under control.
This decision was taken as part of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ ambitious water conservation project- Jalayukta Shivar Yojana which aims to make 5,000 villages in state drought-free in one year.
The rampant and uncontrolled digging of borewells in various parts of state had led to depletion of ground-water level.
In Marathawada region and Buldhana & Amravati disitrcts of Vidarbha region are worst hit due to depletion of ground-water level. In these districts borewells have been dug almost upto to 1000 feet underground in search of ground water with no success.

Month: Current Affairs - May, 2015