Prayagraj Faces Groundwater Crisis: Two Blocks Marked Critical, Sangam City Deemed 'Over-Exploited'

Prayagraj Water Crisis: Prayagraj, known as Sangam City, is currently facing a serious groundwater crisis. The excessive extraction of underground water has pushed many areas to critical levels, raising alarm among local authorities.

A recent report from the Ground Water Department reveals that out of 23 development blocks in Prayagraj, two are classified as 'critical' while eight others fall under the 'semi-critical' category. This classification is due to the ongoing over-exploitation of groundwater resources. The city itself has been marked as 'over-exploited.'

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Prayagraj Critical Blocks

The two blocks identified as 'critical' are Chaka and Sahaso. The eight blocks considered 'semi-critical' include Bahadurpur, Kaudihar, Saidabad, Mauaima, Phulpur, Pratappur, Shringverpur Dham and Dhanupur. The Hindustan Times report cited Ravikant, who oversees the Ground Water Department in the district, as explaining that the excessive groundwater extraction without adequate replenishment has led to declining water levels across Prayagraj and in ten of its development blocks.

Data collected by the Ground Water Department over recent years shows a troubling downward trend in water levels. For instance, in 2020, just before the monsoon season, the water level near Tej Bahadur Sapru Hospital was recorded at 15.65 metres below sea level, which dropped to 18.65 metres after the rains. In 2021, the level before the monsoon was 20.50 metres but improved to 17.25 metres post-monsoon. In 2022, it was 19.20 metres before the rains and slightly improved to 18 metres afterward. However, this year, the level fell from 20.35 metres before the monsoon to 20.50 metres afterwards. The pre-monsoon level for 2024 was recorded at 22.20 metres, improving to 20.60 metres after the rains.

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Groundwater usage is assessed based on established standards. If up to 70 per cent of recharged groundwater is used, it is considered 'normal.' Areas using between 70 per cent and 90 per cent are deemed 'semi-critical,' while those using 90 per cent to 100 per cent are classified as 'critical.' In Prayagraj, urban areas have exceeded 100 per cent of annual recharge, placing the city in the 'over-exploited' category. The blocks of Chaka and Sahaso have usage rates of 90 per cent to 100 per cent, marking them as 'critical,' while the other eight blocks consume between 70 per cent and 90 per cent.

Currently, only 285 residents and business owners in the district have installed rainwater harvesting systems to help mitigate the crisis.