There has been a 600% increase in Urbanisation increase in concrete cover — in Doon between 1995 and 2015. As a result, the city has lost over 18% of its seasonal streams, which have now converted into ephemeral (rain-dependent) seasonal streams. It has also led to a 1% decrease in permanent water cover of the city.
This, in turn, has increased the risk of flooding during the monsoon season and led to greater water scarcity during summer months. These revelations are part of the City Water Balance Plan (CWBP) study, conducted by USAID along with the Centre for Urban and Regional Excellence (CURE) to analyse water use inDehradun, and how to optimise groundwater use and recharge. The study was presented to the government earlier this month and, in fact, was conducted in collaboration with it. Researchers claimed that this study is one of its kind to be done in India.
Adding to the water woes of the city is the fact that water loss due to transmission through water supply pipes is 30%, much higher than the usual 15-20%.