ORDER :

S. Saghir Ahmad, J.

1. This Court on 20-3-1996 took notice of the news item under the caption ?Falling Groundwater Level Threatens City?, appearing in the Indian Express of 18-3-1996. This Court issued notice to the Central Groundwater Board and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee. The news item was brought to the notice of this Court by Mr M.C. Mehta, Advocate. On 3-4-1996, this Court issued notice to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the Delhi Waterworks and Sewerage Disposal Undertaking.

2. Dr P.C. Chaturvedi, Scientist ?D? (Director), Central Groundwater Board, filed an affidavit pursuant to this Court's order. He stated in the affidavit that during the years from 1962 onwards, the water levels in the country are declining. So much so, during the years 1971-83, the fall in water level was from 4 m to 8 m in the National Capital Territory. There was a further fall of water level from 4 m to more than 8 m during the period 1983-85. One of the reasons stated in the affidavit for the decline of water level was the enhanced pumpage. Keeping in view the facts stated by Dr Chaturvedi, this Court issued notice to the Union of India through the Secretary, Ministry of Water