Deep borewells bad for environment: geologists
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With severe shortage of water, people are resorting to digging deeper borewells. Geologists warn that deeper borewells will damage the water table. The terrain in Hyderabad is mostly rocky below 150 ft and any search for water below this level is an exercise in futility. If water is harvested from borewells deeper than 150 ft in the city, it is likely to be from the rock fractures and rock aquifers. Digging up to 1,000 ft or more will only lead to unnecessary piezometric pressure, warn geologists. Considering the nature of the terrain in Hyderabad, the practice of digging deep into the earth for groundwater will affect the whole environment and its symmetry. The trend to dig deeper every year has come in for criticism from the groundwater department officials.
Dr K.Venugopal, joint director, state ground water department, told this correspondent that measures like obligatory rainwater harvesting and recharging pit should be the solution, and not searching for groundwater deep in the earth. The practice of constructioning of cellars and sub-cellars is also harming the ground water table. Concrete structures below the ground affects the absorption capacity of rainwater. The top soil is porous and helps in seepage of rainwater. Cellars and sub-cellars prevent this activity.
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