Here's why Noida and Ghaziabad are facing water crisis
Noida and Ghaziabad are struggling to secure sufficient water supply. Many have turned to purchasing water from private tankers or rationing their usage, despite assurances from the Noida Authority that the city receives an adequate daily supply of 480 million liters per day (MLD), against a requirement of 407 MLD, a TOI report stated.
While in Ghaziabad, the city faces a worsening water crisis, particularly during the summer, due to both a shortage of potable water and poor water quality. According to the civic body, there is a daily shortfall of 25 million liters per day (MLD). The city’s growing population has further strained its infrastructure.
A 2019 NITI Aayog report warned that 21 Indian cities, including Ghaziabad, could exhaust their groundwater supplies within a few years, potentially impacting 100 million people.
Rising Population and Infrastructure Strain in Noida & Ghaziabad
Noida and Ghaziabad’s proximity to the national capital and the upcoming international airport have made it an attractive investment hub, leading to a population surge. From a population of 16.5 lakh in 2011, estimates suggest it has doubled by 2024. This rapid growth has put immense pressure on both groundwater resources and existing water infrastructure.
A recent study highlighted a significant drop in Gautam Budh Nagar’s groundwater levels, from 30-40 meters in 2002 to 140 feet currently, with a depletion rate of 11 to 12 feet per year. In Ghaziabad, data from the UP groundwater board indicates an average groundwater level
