CGWA strengthens rules for ground water extraction
   Date :29-Sep-2021

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Staff Reporter :
 
Existing users must have to pay ground water abstraction/ restoration charges till December 31,2021
 
Open paved area mandatory for new projects to ensure rainwater harvesting 
 
To control and regulate ground water extraction in the country, the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) has issued guidelines for all existing ground water users and also new infrastructure projects recently. As per the guidelines, all project proponents, who have been issued No Objection Certificate (NOC) prior to September 24, 2020, shall be required to pay ground water abstraction/ restoration charges in arrears from September 24, 2020 till the date of validity of NOC. The water abstraction/restoration charges will be paid as per their water requirement mentioned in NOC or the actual ground water withdrawal data submitted by them.
 
Such project proponents shall be required to deposit the arrears by December 31, 2021. Non-payment within the stipulated period by the project proponents is likely to result in cancellation of NOC, sealing of abstraction structures and imposition of Environmental Compensation. However, as per the Guidelines, such project proponents who have constructed artificial recharge structures in compliance to the condition specified in the NOC shall be eligible for upto 50% rebate in ground water abstraction/restoration charges. Similarly, all new infrastructure projects must have open paved/parking area which must be covered with interlocking/perforated tiles or other suitable measures to ensure rainwater runoff infiltration/harvesting. All new infrastructure projects shall install dual water supply system for utilising Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) treated water for flushing. And non-compliance of these conditions shall attract penal provision as per Section 15 of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.