Extraction of Ground Water

Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has assessed the annual replenishable ground water resources of the Country through Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) jointly with State Ground Water Organizations. As per the latest assessment (as on March 2011), the annual ground water withdrawal for domestic and industrial purpose is 22.71 BCM (9.27% of the total ground water withdrawal) whereas ground water withdrawal for and for irrigation purpose is 222.36 BCM (90.73% of the total ground water withdrawal).

Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) has framed up guidelines for extraction of ground water which were issued on November 15, 2012. In areas notified by the CGWA, 'No Objection Certificate (NOC)' to extract ground water through any energized means is not accorded except for drinking and domestic use. In non-notified areas, CGWA accords NOC for extraction of ground water to new or under expansion projects of industrial/infrastructure/mining, in accordance with the guidelines/criteria. NOC are to be renewed after fixed period of time, ensuring compliance of conditions laid in NOC. Ground water extraction for agriculture use in non-notified areas is not within the purview of existing guidelines.

This information was given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Prof. Sanwar Lal Jat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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