Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) in India

CGWA Stands for Central

Central Ground Water Authority has been constituted under Section 3 (3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to regulate and control development and management of groundwater resources in the country.

Why CGWA Permission is Important

India faces severe groundwater depletion due to over-extraction. The CGWA, under the Environmental Protection Act, 1986, mandates that industries, agricultural units, and large residential complexes obtain permission for groundwater extraction. This regulation helps balance groundwater recharge and extraction, ensuring long-term sustainability

Who needs a CGWA NOC?

An NOC from CGWA is mandatory for various entities that intend to extract groundwater in notified areas. Here are some examples:

Industries:

Any industry using groundwater for Industrial, Domestic, or Gardening purposes must obtain prior permission from CGWA.

Hotels and Resorts:

Hotels and Resorts utilizing groundwater for Drinking, Domestic, Swimming Pools, Landscaping, or Gardening purposes are required to obtain permission from CGWA.

Infrastructure projects

Infrastructure projects, Commercial Buildings, Residential Apartments, Shopping Malls, and similar establishments drawing groundwater for construction, domestic, or landscaping purposes must obtain prior permission from CGWA.

Mining

Mining projects utilizing groundwater for mining operations, dust suppression, washing, or domestic purposes are required to obtain prior permission from CGWA.

Fresh/Renewal of CGWA Application

It is important to note that the renewal of a CGWA NOC is subject to compliance with the conditions of the previous NOC and any other relevant regulations. After fulfilling the compliance requirements, the NOC can be processed for renewal.

Preparation of Renewal Application
Outline Compliance Report
Groundwater Impact assessment report (If required)
Water Audit Report (Above 100 KLD)
Telemetry Water Flow Meter with Data
Details of Rain Water Harvesting Structures
Piezometer Details with Data
Borewell Water Analysis Reports
Sample Affidavit Formats
Timely response to CGWA Queries
Field work and Water Sampling

CGWA NOC Compliance

Projects obtaining NOC are subjected to comply before one year of NOC release. Conditions mentioned in the CGWA NOC need to be fulfilled in the compliance report.

Preparation of Compliance Report with Photographs
Telemetry Water Flow Meter with Data
Piezometer Details with Data
Rain Water Recharge Calculation
Details of Recharge Structure
Borewell Water Analysis Report, pre-monsoon and post-monsoon
Field Work and Water Sampling

Determine if your industry requires a CGWA permit:

CGWA permits are required for certain activities related to groundwater, such as drilling borewells, setting up industries, or extracting groundwater for commercial or industrial purposes. Check CGWA’s website or contact their regional office to determine if your activity requires a permit.

Renewal of Application:

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CGWA Application FAQ

How does CGWA collaborate with other agencies for groundwater management?

CGWA works with several other organizations for effective groundwater management, including:

State Ground Water Departments for region-specific monitoring.
Central Water Commission for integrated water resource management.
National Remote Sensing Centre for mapping and monitoring groundwater data.
NGOs and research institutions for promoting water conservation education and sustainable practices.

How can I contact CGWA for more information?

For more information, you can:

Visit the CGWA official website.
Contact CGWA via their helpline or contact number listed on their website.
Email your queries to the official CGWA email address.

What are the initiatives and projects taken by CGWA?

CGWA focuses on projects for:

Rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge.
Development of aquifer mapping and management plans.
Creating groundwater recharge structures to maintain water levels.
Promoting water-efficient technologies for industries, agriculture, and municipalities.

What is the penalty for unauthorized groundwater extraction?

If you extract groundwater without a permit in a regulated area, the CGWA may impose penalties, including:

Fines for non-compliance.
Suspension or revocation of existing permissions.
Legal action for severe violations.

What areas are regulated by the CGWA?

CGWA has prioritized regulation in areas identified as:

Over-exploited zones where groundwater extraction exceeds replenishment.
Critical areas where extraction rates are becoming unsustainable.
Semi-critical areas where groundwater is being used excessively but is still somewhat sustainable. These areas are designated based on continuous monitoring of water levels.

When is the CGWA NOC Certificate/Permission required?

CGWA NOC is generally required for projects that involve:

Extraction of groundwater for industrial or commercial purposes.
Construction of large-scale buildings or infrastructure.
Establishment of new industries or expansion of existing ones.
Setting up of groundwater recharge structures.