In recent weeks, officials with Dubai Municipality have detected dozens of illegally dug wells. As a result, more than 40 offenders face fines ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh10,000 for groundwater use. The importance of the efforts by municipal officials to prevent illegally drilling for water cannot be understated. Here in the UAE, water is a precious commodity for all. Drilling into aquifers or ground supplies without proper knowledge and authorisation can have dangerous effects for all, with illegal digging of wells resulting in a disorderly and dangerous depletion of the water supply.
Drilling companies need to be licensed by the Department of Economic Development and approved by Dubai Municipality. Already it’s estimated that 80,000 wells across the UAE are drying up of turning saline — with 13,000 of these in Abu Dhabi and 12,000 in Sharjah. Water drilling is regulated for a reason — it is not there for wells to be dug at random or without proper authorisation.
Officials need to maintain their vigilance and ensure that illegal drilling and digging is stamped out. Those who engage in such activities need to face the full rigour of the law.
