Before the 1960s, Gurgaon thrived as part of a wetland network. The Sahibi River brought rainwater and runoff from the Aravalli hills, replenishing the area naturally. However, flood control measures for Delhi and unchecked real estate development led to the destruction or degradation of these vital water bodies. Once a vibrant wetland ecosystem, Gurgaon has witnessed a dramatic shift in its water landscape over the decades. From the flowing Sahibi River and lush Najafgarh Jheel to today’s receding groundwater and overloaded borewells, the city’s water story is one of overuse, under-planning, and urban sprawl.

With Gurgaon’s growing population and real estate boom, water demand has spiked.

• Water Demand (2023): 637.2 MLD
• Water Supplied: 570 MLD
• Shortfall: ~67 MLD

Currently, this gap is being bridged by borewells, both by the Municipal Corporation and private developers. But this is not sustainable. By 2041, with an estimated population of 66.2 lakh, the city’s water demand could reach a staggering 1,480.9 MLD.

1. Canal Water – From the Yamuna River, via the Western Yamuna Canal (WYC) and National Capital Region Canal (originating at Munak)
2. Groundwater – Widely used due to insufficient canal coverage
3. Treated Sewage Water

• Groundwater levels are dropping by 1.5 meters/year
• The average depth is now 38.7 meters
• Overuse for construction and minimal rainwater harvesting are worsening the crisis

• 5 Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) – Capacity: 388 MLD
• 4 Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) – Capacity needs urgent expansion

Despite receiving 600–700 mm of annual rainfall, Gurgaon has not harnessed its full potential:

• Many rainwater harvesting pits are dysfunctional
• Parks and public buildings often lack proper systems
• Mandates exist, but implementation is weak

On the brighter side, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) like Garden Estate and NGOs have shown that localized rainwater harvesting can work effectively.

Waterlogging has plagued Gurgaon for years. Key issues include:

• Inadequate stormwater drainage
• Clogged or concretized natural drains
• Diminished ground absorption capacity

The 2016 floods highlighted these vulnerabilities, and many areas remain flood-prone today.

Historically, water bodies helped:

• Recharge groundwater
• Act as natural flood buffers
• Support biodiversity

But of 644 water bodies surveyed:

• 153 are beyond recovery
• 53 are under severe threat
• 132 are polluted
• 44 only fill up seasonally

However, restoration efforts by organizations like Gurujal and I Am Gurgaon have begun to reverse some damage—transforming water bodies into community spaces.

At the City Level:

• Expand canal water infrastructure
• Implement large-scale rainwater recharge
• Repair and maintain stormwater drains
• Audit borewells and regulate extraction
• Promote decentralized wastewater treatment

Community and Building-Level:

• Build and maintain rainwater harvesting pits
• Recycle grey water
• Partner with RWAs and schools for awareness

Individual Action:

• Use water-saving appliances
• Avoid wastage
• Support local conservation initiatives

Gurgaon’s water story is at a turning point. The goal is clear: clean, reliable, and affordable water—without exhausting the city’s groundwater reserves. But this requires collective effort from citizens, institutions, and policymakers alike. Let’s work toward a water-secure Gurgaon, where sustainability is not just a buzzword but a shared responsibility.