Groundwater NOC by CGWA
Groundwater is India’s most crucial natural resource — supporting nearly 65% of irrigation, 85% of rural drinking water, and a significant portion of industrial and commercial needs. However, uncontrolled extraction has led to alarming depletion in many regions.
To ensure sustainable use and regulation of this resource, the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) was constituted under Section 3(3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
This article explains what CGWA compliance means, who needs a Groundwater NOC, and how it fits into India’s broader environmental protection framework.
- Legal Framework: Section 3(3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
Under Section 3(3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Central Government is empowered to constitute authorities to exercise powers and perform functions necessary to protect and improve the environment.
In exercise of these powers, the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) was established in 1997 (vide Gazette Notification S.O. 38(E), dated 14 January 1997) to regulate and control groundwater development and management across India.
The Authority’s main objective: To ensure sustainable extraction and recharge of groundwater resources.
- What is a Groundwater NOC (No Objection Certificate)?
The Groundwater NOC is a mandatory clearance issued by CGWA (or respective State Ground Water Authorities, where applicable) that allows industries, infrastructure projects, or commercial establishments to extract groundwater for their operations.
It ensures that groundwater use:
- Does not exceed the safe yield of the area.
- Includes measures for groundwater recharge.
- Follows water conservation and recycling norms.
- Who Needs a CGWA Groundwater NOC?
As per the latest CGWA Guidelines (2020 and subsequent updates), the following entities must obtain an NOC before groundwater extraction:
Industries & Manufacturing Units
Any industry drawing groundwater for process, cooling, or domestic use outside municipal water supply limits.
Infrastructure Projects
Builders, group housing societies, and commercial complexes using borewells for construction or operation.
Mining Projects
Both major and minor mineral mining projects that intersect or extract groundwater.
Packaged Drinking Water Units
All units involved in bottling or packaging drinking water.
Institutional Users
Hotels, hospitals, educational institutions, and others with captive groundwater sources.
- Compliance Requirements for Obtaining NOC
To ensure transparency and environmental balance, CGWA mandates several conditions for applicants:
Mandatory Submissions
- Hydrogeological report with groundwater potential data
- Water quality analysis report
- Rainwater harvesting and recharge plan
- Digital water flow meter installation
- Affidavit on water conservation and reuse
Water Conservation Measures
Industries must adopt:
- Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) or recycling systems
- Rooftop rainwater harvesting
- Recharge wells or percolation pits
Periodic Monitoring
- Annual submission of groundwater abstraction data
- Continuous monitoring through digital meters
- Third-party inspection, if required
Failure to comply can lead to penalties, closure orders, and cancellation of the NOC.
- Validity and Renewal of NOC
|
Category |
Validity Period |
Renewal Condition |
|
Industrial & Infrastructure |
3 years |
Subject to compliance and recharge implementation |
|
Mining Projects |
2 years |
Groundwater restoration and monitoring mandatory |
|
Packaged Drinking Water Units |
2 years |
Compliance with BIS & recharge structures |
Renewal applications must be submitted 90 days before expiry along with compliance reports and monitoring data.
- Importance of CGWA Compliance
Adhering to CGWA norms is not just a legal necessity, it’s an environmental responsibility.
Compliance ensures:
- Sustainable water management in over-exploited areas
- Legal safeguard against penalties or project delays.
- Enhanced ESG and sustainability reporting credentials for industries.
- Contribution towards India’s water security goals under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan
- Penalties for Non-Compliance
Unauthorized extraction of groundwater without NOC attracts action under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, including:
- Closure of operations
- Seizure of equipment
- Fines and environmental compensation, as assessed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and CGWA
In recent years, several industries and builders have been fined for illegal groundwater abstraction, reinforcing the need for strict compliance.
The Groundwater NOC under CGWA is not a bureaucratic hurdle it is a vital part of India’s environmental governance.
By regulating extraction, enforcing recharge measures, and promoting water-use efficiency, CGWA ensures that the nation’s groundwater reserves remain sustainable for future generations.
Call to Action
Ensure your groundwater usage stays compliant, sustainable, and legally protected with expert assistance from Aseries Envirotek India Pvt. Ltd.
As one of India’s leading environmental compliance and advisory companies, we provide end-to-end support for obtaining CGWA Groundwater NOCs, preparing hydrogeological reports, implementing rainwater harvesting systems, and managing all regulatory approvals under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Headquartered in Lucknow with a strong presence in Noida, Aseries Envirotek India Pvt. Ltd. delivers pan-India services helping industries, builders, and institutions secure their CGWA approvals and achieve sustainable water management with confidence.
Responsible water management today is the foundation of water security tomorrow.
