New Regulations for Groundwater Use in Karachi
The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has announced a significant change in the regulation of groundwater usage in the city. According to a recently issued gazette notification, residents and industries in Karachi will soon be required to install meters to measure their groundwater consumption. This move aims to ensure sustainable and equitable use of groundwater resources, much like the existing practices for electricity usage.
Scope of the New Groundwater Metering Policy
The new policy will apply to a wide range of entities within the Karachi Division and its surrounding areas. These include:
- Corporations
- Commercial establishments
- Hotels
- Educational institutions
- Residential complexes, apartments, and high-rise buildings
Exemptions and Special Cases
The notification specifies that only individual residential houses will be exempt from this metering requirement, allowing them to use groundwater without the need for a meter. This exemption aims to ease the burden on individual homeowners while ensuring that larger consumers are monitored.
Implementation and Monitoring
Mayor Murtaza Wahab highlighted the importance of this initiative during a meeting with the Council of Economic and Energy Journalists. He announced that the installation of digital water meters will commence on August 1. The mayor emphasized that the new policy does not require citizens to install water meters in industrial areas, urging them to comply with the regulations for other specified zones.
The introduction of groundwater metering in Karachi marks a pivotal step towards sustainable water management in the city. By monitoring and regulating groundwater usage, the KMC aims to prevent over-extraction and ensure that water resources are used efficiently. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to addressing Karachi’s water challenges and promoting responsible resource utilization.
Stay informed about the latest updates on groundwater metering and other important developments in Karachi’s water management policies.
