Mandatory CGWA Guidelines for Bulk Water Supply
NOC for Ground Water Abstraction & Tanker Operations
Overview: Crucial Updates for Private Bulk Water Suppliers
The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) has implemented strict, updated guidelines making it mandatory for all users abstracting ground water and using it for bulk water supplies through private tankers to obtain a valid No Objection Certificate (NOC). This page provides a clear, comprehensive guide to the application process, withdrawal limits, charges, and penalty provisions, ensuring your operations remain fully compliant.
These guidelines are essential for private bulk water suppliers to secure their Ground Water Abstraction NOC and avoid severe environmental penalties for non-compliance.
1. Essential Documents for NOC Application
To successfully apply for the Ground Water Abstraction NOC, the following documents must be submitted along with your application. Incomplete applications will not be entertained.
- Proof of Land Ownership: Documentary proof that you own a land size of 200 square meters (sq m) or more where the abstraction structure (e.g., borewell) is installed.
- Tanker Ownership/Lease Proof: Valid proof of ownership or a legally binding lease agreement for the water tanker(s) used for supply.
- Groundwater Quality Report: A certified, recent report on the quality of the groundwater being abstracted.
2. General Operating Conditions (Compliance Checklist)
All bulk water suppliers must strictly adhere to these general conditions once the NOC is obtained:
- Labeling Standard: All water tankers must be clearly labeled with the phrase “Potable Water.”
- Metering and Telemetry: Abstraction structures must be equipped with a tamper-proof digital water flow meter with telemetry (remote monitoring) capabilities.
- Calibration Requirement: These flow meters must be calibrated once in a year from an authorized agency.
- Permitted Use: Water shall be used strictly for drinking/domestic purpose only.
- Quality Adherence: The water quality supplied must rigorously adhere to the latest BIS norms for drinking and domestic purposes.
- Filling Location: Filling of the tanker must be done only within the premises of the project property.
3. Permissible Daily Ground Water Withdrawal Limits (m3/d)
The quantum of ground water withdrawal is strictly regulated based on the assessed category of the unit where abstraction occurs. The NOC is issued with a validity term of 2 years for all assessment units.
| S. No. | Assessment Unit Category | Permissible Groundwater Withdrawal Limit (m3/d) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Overexploited | 50 |
| 2 | Critical and Semi Critical | 100 |
| 3 | Safe | 150 |
4. NOC Renewal Process and Environmental Compensation
The renewal of the NOC is not automatic. It is strictly conditional upon compliance and timely application:
- Advance Application: The applicant must apply for renewal at least ninety (90) days prior to the expiry of the current NOC’s validity.
- Compliance Report: The renewal application must be accompanied by a certified Compliance Report.
- Authority Verification: The CGWA or the respective State/UT Authority will verify that all conditions have been duly complied with before granting renewal.
- Deemed Extension: If the application is submitted on time, but the authority is unable to process it, the NOC is deemed to be extended until the renewal date.
- Penalty for Late Application: If the applicant fails to apply within the validity period, the proponent will be liable to pay Environmental Compensation starting from the date of expiry until the NOC is renewed.
5. Mandatory Groundwater Abstraction and Restoration Charges
Table 1: Abstraction Charges (Safe, Critical, Semi-Critical)
| Category | Rate per m3 (in Rs.) |
|---|---|
| Safe | 10 |
| Semi Critical | 20 |
| Critical | 25 |
Table 2: Charges for Over Exploited Units
| Category | Rate per m3 (in Rs.) |
|---|---|
| Over Exploited | 35 |
Suppliers in Overexploited units must also pay restoration charges, which are often significant.
6. Other Important Regulatory and Penalty Conditions
- Illegal Sale Prohibition: Sale of ground water is not permitted by any person or agency operating without a valid NOC from CGWA/State Ground Water Authority.
- Cancellation Risk: Non-compliance with the conditions mentioned in the NOC may lead to its cancellation or non-renewal.
- Premises Requirement: Abstraction structure(s) must be located inside the premises of the project property.
- Online Self-Compliance: Users must report their self-compliance of NOC conditions online through the web portal of the Central Ground Water Authority/State Ground Water Authority.
- Severe Penalty Warning: Extraction of ground water for commercial use without a valid NOC shall be considered illegal. Such entities shall be liable to pay Environmental Compensation for the quantum of water extracted, as per Section 15 of S.O. 3289(E) dated 24.09.2020.
- Penalty Provisions: Further penalty provisions for non-compliance are applicable as per Section 16 of S.O. 3289(E) dated 24.09.2020.
- Processing Fees: Applicable processing fees, if prescribed, will be charged for various services from time to time.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions on CGWA Bulk Water NOC
1. Who needs the CGWA No Objection Certificate (NOC)?
Any user abstracting ground water and using it for supply as bulk water supplies through private tankers must mandatorily seek the Ground Water Abstraction NOC.
2. What is the validity period of the NOC?
The No Objection Certificate is issued with a validity term of 2 years for all assessment units (Safe, Semi-Critical, Critical, and Over-exploited).
3. What is the minimum land size required for the abstraction structure?
You must provide proof of ownership for a land size of 200 square meters (sq m) or more on which the abstraction structure is installed.
4. What happens if I fail to renew the NOC on time?
You will be liable to pay Environmental Compensation for the entire period starting from the date of expiry of the NOC until it is successfully renewed by the competent authority.
5. Can I sell ground water without a valid NOC?
No. Sale of ground water by any person or agency not having a valid NOC from CGWA/State Ground Water Authority is strictly not permitted and is considered illegal.
6. What are the daily withdrawal limits in ‘Overexploited’ areas?
In Overexploited assessment units, the permissible daily groundwater withdrawal limit is restricted to 50 m3/d.
NEXT STEP: Ensure Compliance Today
If you require expert assistance in ensuring your bulk water supply operations meet all Mandatory CGWA Guidelines, contact our specialist team immediately.
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