NOC from State & Central Ground Water Authority
What is CGWA?
The Central Government had set up the CGWA(Central Ground Water Authority) after realising the pressing environmental concerns of a depleting underground water table that was also getting highly polluted.
Central Ground Water Authority has been constituted under Section 3(3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (EPA) to regulate and control development and management of ground water resources in the country.
CGWA makes guidelines in 22 states and two union territories where the State Government or Union Territory administration isn’t regulating groundwater management.
Why NOC from CGWA is required?
The importance of getting a No Objection Certificate from the CGWA lies in ensuring legal compliance, safeguarding the environment, and preserving our finite groundwater resources.
To ensure the enduring longevity and purity of underground water, this permission is granted only when no sufficient public water supply or surface water source is available as per the CGWA NOC guidelines.
What are the Eligibility Criteria for NOC from CGWA?
1) If you belong to – Industrial, Infrastructure, Mining sectors, Residential apartments/Group Housing societies and Government water supply agencies.
2) The type of water quality you want to use – Fresh or Saline.
3) Whether you’re establishing a new plant or extract water for your existing plant.
4) And your location.
are required NOC from either CGWA or respective States Ground Water Authorities.
What are the documents required for NOC from CGWA?
Different documents are required depending upon the type of industrial segment and the groundwater usage.
Visit CGWA website to know the List of Documents required for NOC.
What is the fee for NOC in CGWA?
Mandatory Processing Fee* – Rs. 10,000/- for Fresh NOC and Rs. 5,000/- for Renewal NOC.
*The CGWA NOC fee amount may vary based on the purpose and quantity of groundwater extraction.
How to Apply for NOC from CGWA?
1) Filing an Application – the applicant has to submit the application online with the appropriate documents. Before submitting the application, the applicant must make Log-ID on the official site of the authority.
2) Submitting/Review Application – the authorities inspect the application and documentation submitted with the application.
3) Grant of license – the NOC is granted if there are no mistakes found in the application. After NOC is granted, the applicant is required to install an IoT-based groundwater Monitoring System within 90 days.
What is the Validity and Renewal of CGWA NOC?
The NOC will be valid for two years from the date of issuance. In regards to the renewal of the No Objection Certificate, the application must be submitted 90 days before its expiry.
What is the Fine and Penalty from CGWA for NOC?
As per new Central Ground Water Authority guidelines, acquiring NOC is mandatory if the industry or any operation is drawing more than ten cubic meters of groundwater.
Apart from this, the applicant is also required to build an IoT-based Groundwater Monitoring System; in case this condition is not fulfilled, then the industry will be liable for a fine of up to ₹ 2 lakhs.