It is mandatory for obtain the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Ground Water Board (Central / State whichever is applicable) for extraction of ground water.
Extracting ground water without valid NOC or after expiry of existing NOC shall be considered as illegal and the project proponent shall be liable to pay environmental compensation as decided by the Competent Authority.
Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA)
CGWA has been constituted under Section 3 (3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to regulate and control development and management of ground water resources in the country.
The Authority has been conferred with the following powers:
(i) Exercise of powers under section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 for issuing directions and taking such measures in respect of all the matters referred to in sub-section (2) of section 3 of the said Act.
(ii) To resort to penal provisions contained in sections 15 to 21 of the said Act.
(iii) To regulate and control, management and development of ground water in the country and to issue necessary regulatory directions for the purpose.
(iv) Exercise of powers under section 4 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 for the appointment of officers.
States / UTs Not Regulated by CGWA
In following States / UTs, regulation of groundwater development and management is being done through constitution of State Ground Water Authority or government orders. CGWA does not Issues NOC for Groundwater Withdrawal in these States / UTs.
1. Andhra Pradesh
2. Goa
3. Himachal Pradesh
4. Jammu & Kashmir
5. Karnataka
6. Kerala
7. Delhi
8. Tamil Nadu
9. Telangana
10. West Bengal
11. Chandigarh
12. Puducherry
13. Lakshadwee