PWD mulls water inspection before approving layouts

Officials said the department would seek mandatory water impact assessment by the Housing and Urban Development Department for each layout before issuing approval for carving out housing plots.

“The crucial issue of water availability is not taken into consideration for approving layouts. But such issues have a bearing on groundwater levels after construction is allowed. This would help stop construction in locations with poor groundwater availability,” said Monica M, Assistant Engineer, Groundwater department, PWD.

The department is planning with the authorities from Housing and Urban Development Department to study the water situation in the property where approval is sought for housing layout. It would be done with the help of geological department, the official added. “We will locate a favourable point to set up bore well. When the proposals come with water plant to be erected for commercial purposes, we provide them with no-objection certificate,” said Monica. 

However, officials from Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) expressed reservations over the move, pointing out that the step may result in overexploitation at locations with abundant groundwater. “If constructions are stopped due to non-availability of groundwater, it would end in exploitation of natural resources in other localities, making them densely populated,” a CMDA official said.