Detailed CGWA Guidelines for Saline Ground Water Abstraction
NOC for Saline Water Extraction and Exemption from Abstraction Charges
Overview: Utilizing Saline Water & Exemption from Abstraction Charges
Saline ground water, defined as water having an Electrical Conductivity (EC) above 5000 µ siemens/cm at 250C, is now permitted for extraction under specific conditions. The key benefit for users utilizing saline groundwater is the exemption from payment of ground water abstraction / restoration charges. However, obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) is still mandatory.
Important Note: NOC shall not be granted to new major industries in over-exploited assessment units, irrespective of the water salinity. All users must ensure they have a proper effluent water disposal plan to avoid environmental degradation.
1. Specific Conditions for NOC Grant (Based on Assessment Unit Type)
1. Completely Saline Assessment Units
In areas where the entire groundwater aquifer is considered saline, the following conditions apply:
- Piezometer Monitoring: A piezometer must be constructed, and the piezometric level must be monitored regularly.
- Real-Time Quality Check: Users must ensure real-time monitoring of groundwater quality, specifically focusing on Electrical Conductivity (EC).
- Rain Water Harvesting (RWH): Adoption of RWH systems within the premises, as per prevailing State/UT building bye-laws, is mandatory.
2. Partially Saline Assessment Units
Conditions are more stringent here to protect fresh reserves where saline water occurs in lenses or overlies/underlies fresh water zones:
- Interface Protection: Withdrawal must be managed to avoid up coning of saline water into fresh water, prevent mixing, and prevent sea water ingress (in coastal areas).
- RWH and Monitoring: Piezometer construction, regular monitoring, real-time quality checks (EC), and RWH adoption are also mandatory.
- Yield Change Notification: If the well begins yielding fresh water, the proponent must immediately inform the Regional Office, CGWB.
2. Required Documents for Saline Water Abstraction NOC
No application will be entertained without the following supporting documents:
- Saline Extraction Affidavit: An affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper of Rs. 10/- confirming saline groundwater extraction and its source (as per the pro-forma available on the NOCAP portal).
- Ground Water Quality Data: Water quality data of the existing well from any NABL accredited laboratory or a Government-approved laboratory.
- Impact Assessment Report (IAR) & Modeling: Required for projects extracting saline groundwater in:
- Excess of 500 m3/d in completely saline assessment units.
- Excess of 100 m3/d in partially saline assessment units.
- Approved Plans (Oil and Mining): Oil and mining companies must submit approved plans by the concerned Government agency/department in case of abstraction, dewatering, or injection activities.
3. Charges, Renewal, and Penalties Summary
Key Regulatory Aspects
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Abstraction Charges | Exempted. Industries extracting saline groundwater are exempted from paying abstraction/restoration charges. |
| NOC Renewal | NOC shall be renewed periodically as per the standard criteria mentioned in the guidelines (S.O.3289 dated 24.09.2020). |
| Illegal Sale | Sale of ground water by an agency not having a valid NOC is not permitted and illegal. |
| Environmental Compensation | Extraction for commercial use without a valid NOC is illegal, making the entity liable to pay Environmental Compensation (as per Section 15 of S.O. 3289(E)). |
| Non-Compliance | Non-compliance may lead to cancellation or non-renewal of the NOC. |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions on Saline Groundwater NOC
1. What is considered ‘Saline Water’ under these guidelines?
Water is considered saline if its Electrical Conductivity (EC) is above 5000 µ siemens/cm at 250C.
2. Do I have to pay abstraction charges for extracting saline water?
No. Users utilizing saline groundwater are exempted from the payment of both ground water abstraction and restoration charges.
3. Can a major new industry get an NOC in an Over-Exploited area if the water is saline?
No. NOC shall not be granted to new major industries operating in over-exploited assessment units, irrespective of the water quality.
4. What is the threshold for submitting an Impact Assessment Report (IAR)?
You need to submit an IAR with groundwater modeling studies if your extraction exceeds 500 m3/d in completely saline units, or 100 m3/d in partially saline units.
5. What must I do if my saline well starts yielding fresh water?
You must immediately inform the Regional Office, CGWB. At that point, you will become liable to pay the standard groundwater abstraction/restoration charges as the exemption no longer applies.
6. What are the quality monitoring requirements for saline water extraction?
All users must ensure real-time monitoring of groundwater quality, with a specific focus on the Electrical Conductivity (EC), to ensure compliance and track salinity levels.
NEXT STEP: Ensure Compliance & Sustainable Use
Source Reference: These guidelines are detailed under 18507/2021/O/o NOC(CGWA). Always consult the official notification for the complete, legally binding text.
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