The Union government has now decided to regulate the use of underground water across the country. The decision follows the rising litigations in the National Green Tribunal with regard to water withdrawal and usage by different sections of society.
The guidelines come at a time when a number of agencies involved in development are tapping ground water resources, almost indiscriminately.
For a start, the draft guidelines for issuance of “no objection certificate” for withdrawal of ground water, have been sent to the chief secretaries of states and union territories, asking them to respond with their comments within 60 days.
The guidelines aim at ensuring uniform regulatory framework across the country, and also to halt or reduce discriminatory practices.
A government note said that various branches of the NGT were directed the Central Ground Water Authority to ensure that withdrawal of ground water be in accordance with law. The authority has been granting NOCs to industries , infrastructure and mining projects.
Sources in government said there were lots of disputes between different users and using communities on the withdrawal of ground water, and so far, it has been more or less left to local authorities who have unlimited discretion.
