InterGlobe Foundation (IGF) in collaboration with the Centre for Ecology Development and Research (CEDAR), initiated a research project to study the state of the water resources in Gurugram. The 8-month-long project would be crucial for the urban environment planning by Gurgaon Metropolitan Development Authority. Gurugram is the fastest-growing city in Haryana in a low rainfall arid zone that faces a question mark on the sustainability of its water supply. It is over-extracting groundwater by about 300% and is also dependent on canal flows from the river Yamuna, which face climatic threats and competing demands. Hence, it becomes imperative that we know what exactly will be the water situation in the coming years and accordingly plan and conserve. The study has been commissioned to help in that planning.

As on date, CEDAR has helped GMDA map 395 water bodies of Gurugram and developed a simple but effective methodology for measuring groundwater levels in sample water bodies.

In the coming months, groundwater levels of sample water bodies will be measured and compared with historical data. For two localities (tentatively Sikandarpur area and Sector 55), a full water balance will be calculated, which will be used to sensitise the citizens and the state to conserve water. This will include planning and implementing rainwater harvesting systems, preventing waste run-offs and promoting judicious use of water.