BHOPAL: In a major decision the district administration on Wednesday said that the state capital is a 'low-water availability zone'. With this drilling borewells for any purpose other than drinking water has been banned in the city under Madhya Pradesh Peyajal Parirakshan Adhiniyam 1986. The law came into effect from Wednesday and any violation would attract a fine up to Rs 2,000 or two-year jail or both.District collector Sudam P Khade issued the directive under section 3 of Madhya Pradesh Peyajal Parirakshan Adhiniyam 1986 under which drawing of water from any source, except for purpose of drinking, has been prohibited. He cited the public health and engineering department circular which reveals that rainfall in Bhopal district stood at just 795.78 mm as against the normal rainfall of 1146.00 mm.For the past two years, rainfall has been less than normal in the city. The major source of drinking water in Bhopal - the Upper Lake - is expected to touch dead storage level by April.In 2017, the rainfall in the state capital was 25.5% less than normal and the situation was the same in 2018, the collector's directive stated.The public notice has evoked fear of an impending water crises in the city just like in 2006. Besides drinking water, there should a curb on use of water for other purposes, the notice stated. "For now, there is a ban on driling new borewells. However, there is no ban on use of water for construction, for the time being", said collector Khade.For all water needs, except for drinking, a prior permission from the district administration would be needed. Under section 6 (1) of the Act, boring is prohibited, unless sanctioned by ADM. Movement of boring machines without permission has also been prohibited. Violation of the Act would attract penalty under the law. Police have been empowered to seize vehicles which violate the law.Earlier this month, the Bhopal Municipal Corporation had started rationing of water supply by 10 minutes daily as per the directive of UAHD ahead of summer.1/3 of the city depends on borewell: It is estimated that about 35% to 40% of the city's population uses its own borewells to meet its daily water needs. There are 35,000 private borewells within municipal limits. Overall, Bhopal district has around over 75,000 borewells and over 500 stepwells, according to BMC assessment.Last year, a Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) study indicated that groundwater level in the city is declining at an average annual rate of 0.4-0.6 metre. The water table has gone down by 4-6 metre. The groundwater level has reached an "alarming low" of about 244 metre in some areas like east and west Bhopal.

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