"Ongoing Unrest in Ground Water Regulation: A view point for holistic handling"

[Sanjaya Kumar Mishra]

On 4th January, 2017, The Chairman of Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) issued a Public Notice that reads as follows:

All the industrial units/ Infrastructure/Mining projects whether existing or new or under expansion, using ground water are directed to submit their applications with due recommendation of State Pollution Control Board along with ground water quality analysis report, rain water harvesting proposal, flow charts of water balance, effluent discharge treatment plan, details of water supply from other sources and in accordance with the CGWA guidelines placed on the website of CGWB. The Industries/Projects also are directed to submit their applications online. For any further details / clarifications the ground water users are advised to contact the nearest office of the CGWB. Non-compliance of directions of Hon'ble NGT will warrant closure of industries, operation or process or stoppage of supply of electricity or water or any other service, in addition to imposition of costs by Hon'ble NGT for violation of directions. The CGWA has issued public notices dated 14.11.2015 and dated 29.04.2016. in this connection but several industries/projects using ground water have not complied with the directions of Hon'ble NGT. The Industries/Projects are hereby given last opportunity to submit their applications for NOC latest by 31.03.2017, failing which the penal provisions under section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 can be invoked against industries/projects violating the directions. 

The last date has been further extended up to 31st May, 2017 - citing the reason that some industrial associations have approached CGWA for such an extension.

Some industrial associations have widely circulated this legal requirement to their members. As a result some industrial units have acted upon to comply with the prevailing rules. On the other hand many industries, even in the surrounding areas of New Delhi, are found to be still unaware about this legal necessity. Those who are aware are in a state of dilemma about the possible consequences, although those are keen for compliance. 

Therefore, through my blog https://ecomediaindia.blogspot.in/2017/05/ongoing-unrest-in-ground-... I wish to highlight my view point.

Please do not forget to leave Your valuable comment and share in your circle.

 

S K Mishra

Twitter: @sanjayakmishra

[Sanjaya Kumar Mishra]

You are warmly welcome.

[Pravin Shrikant More]

Thanks sir, for very good information.