CGWA Approval for Borewells: Groundwater Extraction NOC Explained

In a nation where groundwater serves as a vital lifeline for drinking, agriculture, and industry, its responsible management is paramount. The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) plays a crucial role in regulating groundwater extraction across India to ensure its sustainable use. If you're involved in any project requiring groundwater, understanding the CGWA NOC borewell process and groundwater permission India is not just a regulatory hurdle, but a commitment to environmental stewardship. This article will demystify the CGWA rules, thresholds requiring a No Objection Certificate (NOC), and the online application process, with a special emphasis on industrial groundwater use and its broader implications for various sectors.

Understanding the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) and the NOC

The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) was established in January 1997 under Section 3(3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, following directions from the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India.1 Its primary mandate is to regulate and control groundwater development and management across the country.2

A CGWA NOC is essentially a legal authorization granted by the Central Ground Water Authority to extract groundwater for specific applications.2 Without this crucial CGWA NOC borewell permission, businesses and other large-scale users risk severe fines, legal action, or even operational shutdowns.8 The NOC ensures that groundwater is utilized responsibly, with proper recharge, conservation, and monitoring measures in place.2

Who Needs a CGWA NOC? Thresholds and Categories

The requirement for a CGWA NOC extends to a wide array of users to prevent indiscriminate groundwater withdrawal and ensure sustainability. This includes:

• Industries: Factories and manufacturing units using groundwater for production, cooling, or other processes.8 Industries extracting more than 10 cubic meters (10,000 liters) of groundwater per day are generally mandated to obtain an NOC.12 New industries requiring groundwater are generally not permitted in over-exploited assessment units, with an exception for MSMEs (barring packaged drinking water).14

• Infrastructure Projects: This broad category includes residential townships, commercial buildings, office buildings, schools, colleges, universities, Special Economic Zones, metro stations, railway stations, bus depots, airports, seaports, highway infrastructure, fire stations, warehouses, business plazas, malls, and multiplexes.10

• Mining Projects: Operations that require groundwater extraction.8

• Commercial Establishments: Hotels, hospitals, and other commercial users relying on borewells.8

• Packaged Drinking Water Plants: These also require an NOC.8

• Residential Societies (RWAs) and Community Buildings: All new residential apartments and Group Housing Societies with a groundwater requirement exceeding 20 m³/day are mandated to install Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and use treated water for flushing and green belts.14 Residential societies extracting groundwater up to 20 KLD for drinking/domestic purposes are generally exempted, as are dwelling units for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) under government schemes.14 However, individual domestic consumers extracting groundwater for swimming pools are required to seek NOC from CGWA/SGWA.16

• Bulk Water Suppliers: These have also been brought under the ambit of NOC requirements.14

It's important to note that individual domestic consumers in both rural and urban areas for drinking and domestic uses, rural drinking water supply schemes, armed forces establishments, and agricultural activities are generally exempted from seeking an NOC.4

The Online Application Process to obtain ground water NOC: A Step-by-Step Guide

The CGWA has streamlined the application process for groundwater withdrawal permits through its online portal, known as the Bhu-Neer portal (www.cgwa-noc.gov.in).8 Here’s a general step-by-step guide:

Check Eligibility: Before applying, it's advisable to check the CGWA's Eligibility Criteria Form to confirm your project's eligibility.13

New User Registration: Visit the official Bhu-Neer portal and register as a new user. You'll need to provide basic details like your name, email ID, mobile number, address proof, and company PAN number. An OTP (One Time Password) will be sent for verification, and you'll create a username and password for future logins.8

Prepare Required Documents: Gather all necessary paperwork. This typically includes:

• Land ownership or lease documents.8

• Detailed project report.8

• Water requirement calculations.8

• Rainwater harvesting and recharge plans.8

• Existing borewell details (if applicable).8

• Environmental clearance (for applicable sectors).8

• Pollution NOC from State Pollution Control Board.15

• Non-availability of water supply/water denial certificate from the local government water supply agency.4

• Ground Impact Assessment Report (mandatory for projects extracting >100 m³/day in over-exploited, critical, and semi-critical areas).7

• Groundwater testing report from a NABL accredited laboratory.15

• Water audit reports (for water requirement >100 KLD).14

Submit Online Application: Log in to your account, select "Apply for Fresh Application" (or "Renew Application" for renewals), choose your industrial segment (Industrial, Infrastructure, or Mining), fill in all details accurately, and upload the supporting documents.8 Once submitted, the application cannot be edited.11

Pay the Processing Fee: The application fee for a fresh NOC is INR 10,000, and for renewal, it's INR 5,000.4 Payment is typically made online through the Non-Tax Receipt Portal of the Government of India (bharatkosh.gov.in).20 Groundwater abstraction charges, based on the quantum of water to be extracted, also apply.11

Await Scrutiny and Inspection: CGWA will review your application and may conduct a site inspection to assess compliance with groundwater conservation norms.8

Install Telemetry System: After receiving the NOC, it is mandatory to install a tamper-proof digital flow meter with a telemetry system on all groundwater abstraction structures within 30 to 90 days of NOC receipt.12 This system monitors parameters like water flow, power supply, temperature, pressure, depth, and level.12 Failure to install or maintain a faulty system can result in penalties of up to Rs 2,00,000.12

Track and Download NOC: You can track the status of your application on the CGWA portal.13 Once approved, you can download your CGWA certificate.2 The NOC is typically valid for 3 to 5 years.15

Beyond CGWA: The Role of State Ground Water Authorities

While the CGWA provides a pan-India framework, water is a state subject, and many states have their own groundwater management bodies.3 These State Ground Water Authorities (SGWAs) complement the central authority by regulating water use, ensuring local compliance, and addressing regional water challenges.2

The Case of Uttar Pradesh Ground Water Authority

Uttar Pradesh is a notable example, having enacted the Uttar Pradesh Ground Water (Management and Regulation) Act, 2019, and the subsequent Rules in 2020.24 This legislation aims to protect, conserve, control, and regulate groundwater for sustainable management, especially in stressed rural and urban areas.25

Key aspects of the Uttar Pradesh framework include:

• Registration of Wells: Mandatory registration of wells in both notified and non-notified areas.24

• Authorization/NOC Grant: Provisions for granting authorization or NOCs.24

• Abstraction Limits: Fixing limits for groundwater abstraction for commercial, industrial, infrastructural, or bulk users.24

• Rainwater Harvesting: Emphasis on rainwater harvesting measures.24

• Pollution Prevention: Measures to prevent groundwater pollution.25

It's crucial to understand that while CGWA guidelines have pan-India applicability, and in cases of inconsistency, CGWA guidelines will prevail over state guidelines.6 However, there can be complexities and differences in provisions between the central and state regulations, which may require careful interpretation.28 For instance, the Uttar Pradesh Act has provisions for registration of pre-existing users but may not explicitly provide for NOCs in notified areas for new/existing industrial users, leading to a need for clarity.28

Other states with their own Ground Water Departments or authorities include Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Bihar.22

Compliance and Consequences of Non-Compliance

Adhering to CGWA and state-level regulations is critical. Non-compliance can lead to significant penalties, including environmental compensation, fines ranging from Rs 2-5 lakh, and even imprisonment for six months to one year.9 Authorities also have the power to seal borewells and disconnect electricity.28

Mandatory requirements for compliance include:

• Digital Flow Meters with Telemetry: As mentioned, these are essential for monitoring groundwater extraction in real-time.12

• Annual Water Audits: Industries drawing more than 100 KLD of groundwater in over-exploited, critical, and semi-critical assessment units are required to conduct biennial water audits and aim to reduce fresh groundwater consumption by 20% over three years.14 Commercial entities must also submit online annual water audit reports.11

• Rainwater Harvesting: Many NOCs require the implementation of rainwater harvesting measures.1

The Path Ahead for Sustainable Water Management

The increasing demand for fresh water, coupled with the impacts of climate change, underscores the urgent need for sustainable water management. The regulatory frameworks established by the CGWA and various State Ground Water Authorities are crucial steps towards this goal. However, effective implementation requires continuous monitoring, technological adoption, and active participation from all stakeholders, including industries, residential societies (RWAs), community buildings, malls, and commercial establishments.

Navigating the complexities of groundwater regulations can be challenging. Expert environmental consulting firms, like Sark Engineering, specialize in assisting industries and other entities with environmental clearances and water management. Their services often include water auditing, identifying inefficiencies, proposing optimization measures, and guiding clients through the entire NOC application process, ensuring compliance and promoting responsible water use. By partnering with such specialists, organizations can ensure legal compliance, minimize environmental impact, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of India's precious groundwater resources.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on CGWA Borewell Approvals

Q1: What is the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA)?

A1: The CGWA is a regulatory body in India responsible for managing, regulating, and controlling the development and management of groundwater resources across the country. Its primary aim is to ensure sustainable use of this vital resource.

Q2: Who needs a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from CGWA for borewells?

A2: A CGWA NOC is primarily required for high-volume groundwater users. This includes industries extracting more than 10,000 Liters Per Day (KLD), infrastructure projects, residential societies extracting over 20,000 KLD, mining projects, commercial establishments, packaged drinking water plants, and bulk water suppliers.

Q3: Are there any exemptions for obtaining a CGWA NOC?

A3: Yes, certain categories are generally exempt from needing a CGWA NOC. These typically include individual domestic consumers, agricultural activities for irrigation, and government-run rural drinking water supply schemes.

Q4: What is the Bhu-Neer portal?

A4: The Bhu-Neer portal is the official online platform (cgwa-noc.gov.in) where applicants can register, submit their applications for groundwater extraction NOCs, pay fees, track their application status, and eventually download their approved NOC certificates.

Q5: What are the key steps in the online application process for a CGWA NOC?

A5: The general steps involve:

1. Registering and creating an account on the Bhu-Neer portal.

2. Preparing all necessary documentation, such as project reports, water requirement assessments, land ownership proofs, and rainwater harvesting plans.

3. Submitting the complete application online and paying the processing fee.

4. Awaiting scrutiny and potential site inspection by CGWA officials.

5. Installing a digital telemetry system upon approval.

6. Downloading the NOC certificate from the portal.

Q6: What documents are essential for a CGWA NOC application?

A6: Key documents typically include a detailed Project Report, a Water Requirement Assessment, Land Ownership or Lease Documents, a comprehensive Rainwater Harvesting and Artificial Recharge Plan, a Water Test Report from a NABL accredited lab, and any necessary State Pollution Control Board clearances.

Q7: What is the role of State Ground Water Authorities (SGWAs) in relation to CGWA?

A7: India operates under a dual governance system for groundwater. While CGWA sets national guidelines and policies, State Ground Water Authorities (SGWAs), like the Uttar Pradesh Ground Water Authority, implement and enforce state-specific rules and regulations. SGWAs handle local compliance, though CGWA's guidelines prevail in case of conflict.

Q8: What are the mandatory compliance requirements after obtaining a CGWA NOC?

A8: Post-approval compliance is crucial and includes:

• Mandatory Digital Telemetry: Installation of a tamper-proof digital flow meter with a telemetry system for real-time monitoring of groundwater extraction.

• Biennial Water Audits: Regular water audits to assess and optimize water usage.

• Rainwater Harvesting: Implementation and maintenance of effective rainwater harvesting and artificial recharge structures.

Q9: What are the consequences of non-compliance with CGWA regulations?

A9: Non-compliance can lead to severe penalties, including:

• Financial fines (e.g., ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh).

• Legal action, which may include imprisonment.

• Operational shutdowns, such as sealing of borewells and disconnection of electricity.

• Environmental compensation charges for illegal extraction.

Q10: Where can I seek assistance for CGWA NOC applications and compliance?

A10: Given the complexity of the regulations, it is advisable to seek assistance from expert consultants specializing in water resource management and regulatory compliance, such as Sark Engineering, who can help with water auditing, application processing, and ensuring ongoing adherence to norms.

Works cited

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27. Deciphering CGWA Guidelines 2020 and the U.P. Ground Water (Management and Regulation) Act 2019-In Camera Conversation Dr. Durjoy Chakraborty, Former Chief Scientist, CGWA and Dr. Yashpal Singh, Chairman, The Wealthy Waste School India, Senior Advisor, UPSMA, accessed on June 4, 2025, https://www.wealthywaste.com/deciphering-cgwa-guidelines-2020-and-the-u-p-ground-water-management-and-regulation-act-2019-in-camera-conversation-dr-durjoy-chakrabory-former-chief-scientist-cgwa-and-dr-yashpal-singh-chairm/comment-page-1