Haldwani’s groundwater level is falling by about 5 feet every year, prompting the Uttarakhand Urban Sector Development Agency (UUSDA) to plan 27 recharge shafts across the city. 6 of the structures have already been completed.
The shafts will carry rainwater below the ground to support groundwater replenishment. The initiative is intended to address the growing pressure on groundwater caused by tubewell extraction and expanding urban development.
How the recharge plan will work
UUSDA is identifying locations where rainwater collects during the monsoon. Proposed sites include parks, government premises, schools, roadside areas and vacant land.
Rainwater collected from rooftops and roads will be directed into the shafts. This is expected to help water enter the ground instead of flowing away through roads and drains.
The depth and capacity of each shaft will be decided according to the geographical conditions at its location. The department also plans regular cleaning and maintenance after construction so the structures can continue functioning effectively.
Groundwater pressure in Haldwani
Haldwani relies on tubewells to meet its drinking-water demand, leading to continued extraction of groundwater. At the same time, rapid urbanisation has reduced the amount of rainwater that can naturally seep into the soil.
As paved surfaces expand, much of the rainwater runs off instead of reaching underground water reserves. The resulting imbalance has contributed to the city’s annual groundwater decline of about 5 feet.
UUSDA project manager Kuldeep Singh said construction has begun and that 6 recharge shafts are complete. Work on the remaining locations is expected to be completed soon.
Conclusion
UUSDA’s 27-shaft plan is aimed at sending rainwater underground and slowing Haldwani’s groundwater decline. 6 shafts are complete, while the remaining sites are to be developed with location-specific capacity and regular maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How many recharge shafts are planned in Haldwani?
UUSDA plans to build 27 recharge shafts across the city.
Q. How many shafts have been completed?
6 recharge shafts have been completed so far.
Q. Why is Haldwani’s groundwater level declining?
The decline is linked to continued tubewell extraction and urbanisation, which prevents rainwater from soaking into the ground.
Q. Where will the recharge shafts be built?
Possible locations include parks, government premises, schools, roadside areas and vacant land.
Q. How will the shafts be maintained?
The department plans regular cleaning and maintenance after construction.
