Central Ground Water Authority

 

The Central GroundWater Authority (CGWA) is India's apex statutory regulatory body responsible for regulating, controlling, and managing groundwater development and extraction. It functions under the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India..

About the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA)

·         As per the list of Assessment units, the CGWA has notified 162 critical/ overexploited areas in parts of NCT Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, MP, Gujarat, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, UT of Puducherry and UT of Diu, so that the abstraction of groundwater for commercial purposes could be controlled and regulated.

·         The concerned Deputy Commissioners/ District Magistrates have been directed under Section 5 of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to enforce the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to regulate groundwater development in these notified areas.

·         The commercial abstraction of the groundwater in the notified areas is prohibited for a private entity and the permission for drilling tube wells is being granted only to the Govt. agencies responsible for drinking water supply.

States / UTs Not Regulated by CGWA

In following States / UTs, regulation of groundwater development and management is being done through constitution of State Ground Water Authority or government orders.

CGWA Guidelines

CGWA stands for Central Ground Water Authority. It operates under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, and regulates groundwater extraction for industries, infrastructure projects, mining and other covered users through No Objection Certificates (NOCs

Central water commission (CWC)

Central Water Commission (CWC) is a technical organization of India in the field of water resources.[1] It is presently functioning as an attached office of the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India. The commission is entrusted with the general responsibilities of initiating, coordinating and furthering in consultation of the State Governments concerned, schemes for control, conservation and utilization of water resources throughout the country, for purpose of flood control, irrigation, navigation, drinking water supply and hydro power development. It also undertakes the investigations, construction and execution of any such schemes as required.

Benefits of the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) Registration

1.  Legal Immunity

 Extracting groundwater without an NOC is a cognizable offense. Having one protects you from heavy environmental compensation fines (which can be 20 times the water rate) and the risk of borewell sealing.

2.  Improves Credibility with Authorities

Builds trust with regulators, banks, and investors. Essential for audits, inspections, and government tenders.

3.  Regulatory and Technical Support

CGWA advises states on policies, provides data from nationwide wells, and fosters artificial recharge techniques. These efforts support agriculture productivity, urban planning, and economic stability amid climate pressures.

Process of the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) Registration

·         The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) process centres on securing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for groundwater extraction in regulated areas of India.

·         Calculate daily & annual groundwater requirement.

·         Design rainwater harvesting and recharge structures as per CGWA norms. Prepare drawings and recharge calculations.

·         Apply online on NOCAP Portal

·         Renew annually/biennially with compliance reports, monitoring, and conservation measures.

·         Submit rainwater harvesting (RWH) and groundwater recharge plan.

·         In some cases, site inspection may be conducted.

·         Business details including GST Number and registered address.

·         Digitally sign the form and submit to NOCAP Portal.

·         An Application Number will be generated for tracking.

Documents required for CGWA Registration

·         GST Registration

·         Aadhar Card + PAN Card of Authorized person

·         Electricity Bill

·         Rent Agreement

·         Site Plan

·         MSME / Udyog Adhaar

·         SPCB CTE / CTO

·         Ground water test report

·         Non-availability of municipal water undertaking

In addition to the above stated documents, we would also require following information:

·         Diameter of boring

·         HP of pump / motor

·         Rooftop area in sq. ft

·         Open area in sq. ft

·         Paved area

·         Green area

Understanding the Rules & regulations of The  CentralGround Water Authority for your businesses requiring ground water abstraction.