Norms for Extraction of Ground Water Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) has proposed revision of the guidelines issued in the year 2012, in compliance to the directions of various orders of National Green Tribunal, which would bring the existing industries/Units under the ambit of ground water guidelines. As per the guidelines of the year 2012, only new and industries seeking expansion fall under the purview of guidelines. Some of the major amendments in the proposed revised guidelines include: Obtaining NOC for ground water withdrawal made mandatory for all Industries/ Projects using ground water irrespective of its date of coming into existence, category of the area and quantum of ground water withdrawal. In order to make gainful use of saline ground water, it has been specified that NOC for using saline ground water could be considered for all kinds of industries / projects in notified & over-exploited areas. A processing fee of Rs. 1000/- for fresh NOC and Rs.500/- for renewal of NOC has been provided for. Some representations with suggestions/comments have been received by CGWA and the same are under examination as the last date to receive suggestions is 16.12.2015. Other steps taken/ being taken by the Government to avoid unnecessary extraction of ground water include: Ministry of Water Resources, RD & GR has circulated a Model Bill to all the States/UTs to enable them to enact ground water legislation for its regulation and development. So far, 15 States/UTs have adopted and implemented the ground water legislation on the lines of Model bill Implementation of Central Sector Scheme of Ground Water Management and Regulation" during XII Plan, inter-alia, envisages aquifer mapping and management program, participatory management of groundwater involving Panchayat Raj Institutions, local communities, NGOs and other stakeholders for ensuring sustainable management of groundwater resources in the Country etc. Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) has prepared a conceptual document entitled Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Ground Water in India" during 2013, involving ground water scientists/experts. The Master Plan envisages construction of 1.11 crore rain water harvesting and artificial recharge structures in the Country at an estimated cost of Rs. 79,178 Crores to harness 85 BCM (Billion Cubic Metre) of water. The augmented ground water resources will enhance the availability of water for drinking, domestic, industrial and irrigation purpose. The Master Plan has been circulated to all State Governments for implementation. As per Schedule-I of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), the water conservation and water harvesting structures to augment ground water constitute a special focus area for MGNREGA works and about 2/3rd of the expenditure is directly related to construction of water harvesting structures. Organizing Mass Awareness Programmes, Water Management Training Programmes & other trainings, Workshops, Painting Competitions, Hamara Jal Hamara Jeevan Programmes, Jal Kranti Abhiyan etc. to support water conservation in rural areas. 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 Lok Sabha today. Samir/jk
