Haryana-Rajasthan water agreement could deepen Faridabad's water crisis, leaving Rainwell gasping for breath.

Suspense Crime, Digital Desk : The issue of transporting Yamuna water from Haryana's Hathinikund Barrage to three Rajasthan districts: Churu, Sikar, and Jhunjhunu, through underground pipelines, will have a direct impact on the industrial city. The entire city's drinking water supply depends on the rain wells installed along the Yamuna River.22 rain wells are installed along the riverbank, and 12 more are being installed. If the Yamuna River's water level decreases, these rain wells will begin to suffocate, directly impacting the drinking water supply. However, officials from the Irrigation Department and the Faridabad Metropolitan Development Authority are reluctant to comment on this matter, as it involves two state governments.But its consequences are likely to be serious. On Monday, an important agreement was reached between the governments of Haryana and Rajasthan regarding drinking water. This agreement paves the way for providing Rajasthan its share of water, as per the 1994 Upper Yamuna River Board water sharing agreement.Setback to Renewal Recharge plansThe authority is working on various plans to recharge the Rainwell, but now the agreement is about to deal a major blow. A 15-acre pond is being built in Chandpur village on the banks of the Yamuna River. If the Yamuna River's water level remains low, the pond will not receive water. Furthermore, the lack of sufficient water will cause the Rainwell's groundwater to continuously deplete.The authority is preparing to develop the Budhiya Drain, which flows from the Aravalli Hills to the Yamuna River, into a major groundwater recharge center. This drain is very wide and deep. The Yamuna River's rising water level during the monsoon will be stored in this drain. Recharge centers, or borings, will also be constructed at 25 locations, allowing clean water to seep into the ground.Current groundwater situationGroundwater levels along the Yamuna River have reached 80 to 100 feet. Villages around Tigaon have 150 to 180 feet. Groundwater levels around the Aravalli Hills are 600 to 700 feet.Big gap between demand and supplyThe city's drinking water demand is 450 MLD, while the supply is 330 MLD. Residents face a daily water shortage of 120 MLD. Authority officials are also planning to discharge treated water from the STP into this drain if needed, allowing the water to reach the ground.