CGWA NOC 2025-26 Monitoring, Penalties & Compliance Rules
Ensure compliance with the latest rules. Learn about mandatory digital flow meters, annual testing, and the severe penalties for non-adherence to the new CGWA guidelines.
🧾 General Compliance Conditions in CGWA NOC 2025-26
Every commercial, industrial, mining, and infrastructure project must adhere to these essential, non-negotiable compliance requirements.
Digital Flow Meters
All structures must use tamper-proof BIS/IS-standard digital or prepaid flow meters with telemetry. Report installation within 30 days of NOC issuance.
Annual Meter Calibration
Flow meters must be calibrated once a year by a government-authorized agency to maintain data accuracy for reporting.
RWH System Installation
Each proponent must install a Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting and Recharge System within the project area as a mandatory condition.
Payment of Abstraction Charges
Charges are based on volume and area classification. Payment through the Bharatkosh portal is mandatory for timely renewal.
Piezometer Monitoring
Observation wells (piezometers) must be installed to monitor water levels, with collected data uploaded periodically to the CGWA online portal.
Annual Quality Testing
Groundwater samples must be analyzed once a year (April–May) in NABL-accredited laboratories. Reports must be uploaded online.
Defunct Well Replacement
Mechanical failure/defunct wells must be reported. Replacement drilling requires prior permission; defunct wells must be sealed as per Annexure VII.
Use of Recycled Water
Water used for horticulture or greenbelt must be sourced from treated or recycled sources wherever feasible, promoting sustainability.
Change of Ownership
New owner must apply for NOC modification within 60 days of possession with documentary proof.
🔍 Monitoring of CGWA NOC Compliance
CGWA ensures compliance through a multi-layered system involving technology, district-level enforcement, and technical inspections.
a. MIS & Online Monitoring
A Management Information System (MIS) is developed specifically to monitor online submissions of meter readings, quality reports, and compliance data, ensuring full transparency and traceability.
b. District-Level Enforcement
District Collectors, Magistrates, and Deputy Commissioners are authorized to take swift, direct action against violators, including:
- Sealing unauthorized borewells.
- Disconnecting power supply to illegal units.
- Imposing environmental compensation/penalties.
c. Technical Inspections
CGWA/CGWB officers and State Ground Water Departments conduct regular, surprise field inspections to verify physical conditions and compliance against the data submitted online.
⚠️ Penalty for Non-Compliance (Section 16)
Any violation of the CGWA NOC terms and conditions attracts severe consequences under Section 16 of the guidelines, including:
- Fines and Environmental Compensation: Imposition of heavy fines based on the severity of the breach.
- NOC Suspension/Cancellation: Immediate suspension or permanent cancellation of the No Objection Certificate.
- Closure of Operations: District authorities are empowered to seal borewells and disconnect power supply.
- Legal Prosecution: Initiation of prosecution against the violators under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
âť“ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if a company doesn’t install a digital flow meter?
Non-installation within 30 days of NOC issuance leads to immediate suspension or cancellation of the NOC and potential financial penalties.
2. Is annual water quality testing compulsory?
Yes. Every unit must test groundwater annually (April–May) in an NABL-accredited lab and upload the results to the CGWA portal.
3. Can a defunct borewell be replaced without permission?
No. Replacement of any well (defunct or otherwise) requires prior written approval from the CGWA, and the old well must be sealed as per guidelines.
4. What if ownership of the project changes?
The new owner must apply for modification/transfer of the NOC through the online portal within 60 days of ownership transfer.
5. What is the penalty for not following CGWA NOC conditions?
Violations can lead to sealing of wells, electricity disconnection, heavy fines, and legal prosecution under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Expert Help for CGWA Rates & Compliance
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