CGWA NOC for Groundwater Extraction

The CGWA No Objection Certificate (NOC) is an official permission from the Central Ground Water Authority. It gives permission to projects and industries to legally extract groundwater from borewells, tube wells, or dewatering systems for non-agricultural purposes. CGWA issues this approval under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to prevent groundwater depletion and protect aquifers from over-exploitation.

Groundwater serves as a critical source of water for industries, infrastructure projects, commercial establishments, mining activities, and large residential developments. Excessive and unregulated groundwater use has caused falling water levels and poor water quality in many areas. To control this, the CGWA requires projects to obtain an NOC before extracting groundwater. This rule applies across India and considers areas such as safe, semi-critical, critical, and overexploited zones. A CGWA NOC clearly specifies the amount of groundwater that may be taken. The CGWA NOC also includes important rules for following regulations, such as fitting digital water meters, setting up rainwater harvesting systems, installing monitoring wells, and testing water quality regularly.

This guide helps in understanding all CGWA NOC requirements and rules for groundwater extraction in India. It also contains who needs a certificate, exemptions, rules for different sectors, compliance steps, how to apply and renew, validity, fees, penalties, monitoring, and enforcement. It also explains environmental protections to help organizations use groundwater legally, safely, and responsibly.

The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) is a government organization responsible for groundwater use in India. It works under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to make sure water is used carefully. CGWA establishes simple rules for industries, buildings, and large projects to prevent groundwater overuse and ensure it remains available for the future. The authority encourages careful water use, groundwater recharge, and conservation measures to keep water available for the future. It issues No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for groundwater use and checks compliance through regular reports and inspections. These actions help protect groundwater now and for generations to come.

The benefits of the CGWA NOC for groundwater extraction are:

• Legal Approval: It grants permission to use groundwater legally, ensuring that all extraction activities comply with the law and that penalties will be imposed if anything goes wrong.
• Responsible Water Usage: Sets limits on how much groundwater can be taken, helping protect water levels over time.
• Safety and Monitoring: This requires water meters, observation wells, and rainwater harvesting to manage water carefully, which helps in proper checking.
• Avoids Fines: Following the rules prevents penalties, legal trouble, and charges for using groundwater.
• Protects Environment: Promotes reuse of water and recharge practices to keep groundwater clean and available for the future.

Here are the key areas of applicability:

• Cover all States and Union Territories in India.
• Replace any previous CGWA groundwater guidelines.
• Enforced by CGWA where State-level rules are not available.
• Take priority over State rules in the event of a conflict.
• Apply to new projects, existing projects, and expansions.
• Regulate groundwater use for industries, commercial units, mining, and infrastructure projects.

Who Requires a CGWA NOC for Groundwater Extraction?

Here are the entities required to obtain a CGWA NOC:

• Industries extracting groundwater for operations
• Commercial establishments using borewells
• Infrastructure and construction projects
• Mining projects and dewatering activities
• Residential apartments exceeding prescribed limits
• Government water supply agencies in urban areas

CGWA compliance makes sure that the controlled extraction and aquifer protection are maintained throughout project operations. These conditions apply uniformly to all NOC holders. 

• Digital and tamper-proof water flow meters must be installed on all borewells or tube wells. These meters must follow BIS/IS standards and include a telemetry system. Installation details must be updated on the CGWA portal within 30 days of NOC approval.
• All installed water flow meters must be calibrated once every year through an authorized agency. Calibration records must be maintained appropriately and shown whenever demanded by authorities.
• Rooftop rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge systems must be constructed and maintained within the project area. These systems should comply with the technical standards prescribed by CGWA.
• Groundwater abstraction or restoration charges must be paid based on the quantity of groundwater extracted. The payment must be made strictly in accordance with Section 5 of the CGWA guidelines.
• Piezometers or observation wells need to be set up to track groundwater levels. They should follow the specified technical guidelines, and the recorded groundwater data must be uploaded to the CGWA portal regularly.
• Groundwater quality testing must be carried out once every year. Water samples should be collected in April or May and tested at NABL-accredited laboratories, with the reports uploaded online.
• If any existing borewell becomes defunct during the NOC period, a replacement well may be constructed after informing CGWA. The defunct well must be safely sealed, and proof of sealing must be submitted.
• If a new well is proposed at, the exact location due to failure of the existing well, prior permission from CGWA is mandatory. If the new well is planned at a different location, a fresh NOC must be obtained.
• Wherever possible, treated or recycled wastewater must be used for greenbelt development and horticulture purposes. Fresh groundwater should not be used for landscaping activities when treated water is available.
• In case of a change in ownership of the project or premises, the new owner must apply for modification of the NOC within 60 days. Relevant ownership documents must be submitted along with the application.
• CGWA monitors compliance through a centralized Management Information System. All project-related groundwater data and compliance information must be updated accurately on the portal.
• Authorized officers from CGWA, CGWB, or State Groundwater Departments may conduct inspections at any time. These inspections are carried out to verify compliance with NOC conditions.
• Any violation of NOC conditions may cause penalties or consequences under CGWA guidelines. The actions may include environmental compensation, well sealing, power supply disconnection, or legal proceedings.

Exemptions from CGWA Groundwater NOC

Certain categories do not need a CGWA groundwater NOC:

• Individual domestic users
• Agricultural activities
• Rural drinking water schemes
• Armed forces and CAPF establishments
• Micro and small enterprises below the specified limits
• Domestic use projects within notified quantity limits

CGWA issues sector-specific rules to address varied groundwater impacts while ensuring sustainable use. These rules balance development needs with aquifer protection.

• Groundwater Extraction Rules for Residential Projects

Residential apartments and group housing societies require a CGWA NOC when groundwater is used for drinking or domestic purposes. Approval is granted only when the public water supply is unavailable. Installation of digital flow meters, rainwater harvesting systems, and sewage treatment plants is mandatory above the defined thresholds. Validity remains time-bound and subject to cancellation upon availability of public water supply.

• CGWA Guidelines for the Agriculture Sector

Agriculture remains exempt from mandatory NOC requirements. CGWA promotes participatory groundwater management through crop diversification, efficient irrigation practices, and rational electricity and water pricing policies to reduce stress on aquifers.

• Groundwater Extraction for Commercial and Industrial Use

Commercial and industrial projects need CGWA approval based on the area type and water demand. Over-exploited areas face strict rules. Water audits, recharge systems, monitoring wells, and conservation measures are required to limit groundwater use.

• CGWA Guidelines for Mining Projects

All mining projects require a CGWA NOC, regardless of location. Any water removed during mining must be treated and reused. Piezometers should be installed, water quality should be monitored, and groundwater impact assessments should be carried out to avoid long-term harm to aquifers.

• CGWA Guidelines for Infrastructure Projects

Infrastructure projects must get approval before using groundwater or dewatering. In areas where groundwater is stressed, it can be used only if treated sewage water is unavailable. NOCs are valid for a limited period, include requirements for monitoring systems, and recharge measures to ensure responsible water use.

Groundwater Monitoring and Piezometer Requirements under CGWA

Monitoring groundwater is key to managing sustainable extraction. CGWA requires real-time observation of aquifers. The requirements include:

• High-volume extraction projects must install piezometers.
• Piezometers should follow distance norms based on aquifer type.
• The depth of the piezometers must align with the pumping wells.
• Water-level data must be submitted every month.
• Groundwater quality testing must be done annually.
• Permanent display boards must be installed at monitoring locations.

The documents required to obtain a CGWA NOC vary by project type and sector. Commonly required documents include:

• Calculation of water requirement as per NBC guidelines.
• Plan for rainwater harvesting or groundwater recharge.
• Affidavit stating non-availability of public water supply.
• Groundwater quality test report.
• Statutory approvals or proof of establishment.
• Site layout plan and details of groundwater abstraction.

CGWA provides a fully online system to make the approval process transparent and efficient. The steps involved are:

• Online Registration on the CGWA Portal: The process starts with registering on the official CGWA NOC portal. Basic information is required to create a secure account for tracking the application.
• Selection of Project and Water Use Category: After logging in, the applicant must choose the correct project type, sector, and groundwater use purpose. Correct selection is crucial as rules and conditions differ for residential, industrial, mining, and infrastructure projects.
• Submission of Project and Water Requirement Details: Project information and planned extraction structures must be provided. The water requirement should be calculated following the official guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Upload of Declarations and Supporting Documents: All required documents, such as affidavits, water management plans, and technical reports, must be uploaded in the correct format so the authority can check them.
• Online Payment of Applicable Fees: After submitting the documents, the CGWA NOC fees should be paid online using the portal’s approved payment methods.
• Technical Review and Approval: The authority will review the application and may ask for further clarifications if required. If everything goes well, then the NOC will be granted.

CGWA NOC Renewal Process

Renewal of the CGWA NOC ensures ongoing compliance and proper groundwater management. The key steps are:

• Online Renewal Application before Expiry: The first step is to submit a renewal request on the official CGWA portal before the existing NOC expires.
• Submission of Compliance and Monitoring Reports: All required reports, including groundwater monitoring, rainwater recharge, and meter readings, must be submitted for review.
• Verification of Recharge and Meter Data: The authority reviews the submitted information to make sure water meters and recharge systems are installed correctly and working properly.
• Review of Groundwater Category Changes: The authority examines any change in the groundwater status of the area to make sure water withdrawal remains within the allowed limits and follows all CGWA rules.
• Authority Approval and Renewed Validity Issuance: Once the verification is complete and everything is in order, CGWA approves the renewal and issues a new NOC with an updated validity period.

CGWA allows NOC extension when well construction or project execution faces genuine delays. Extension requests require documentary justification and must comply with the fresh NOC conditions. Maximum extension remains limited to two years. After expiry of the extended period, a fresh CGWA NOC application becomes mandatory.

Validity of CGWA Groundwater NOC

The validity of a CGWA NOC depends on the type of project, the groundwater condition of the area, and how the water is used. Housing and residential projects usually receive approval for a longer period. Mining and infrastructure projects get permission only for a fixed and shorter period. The NOC automatically becomes invalid if a public water supply starts or the project work is completed. Renewal is allowed only after proper checks confirm that all CGWA rules are fully followed and groundwater is used safely and responsibly.

Penalties and Enforcement for CGWA Non-Compliance

CGWA enforces compliance through statutory powers. Here are the enforcement measures:

• Sealing of unauthorized borewells
• Disconnection of the electricity supply
• Environmental compensation recovery
• Prosecution under the Environment Protection Act
• Cancellation or non-renewal of NOC

The fees for a CGWA NOC are not the same for every project. They depend on the type of project, such as residential buildings, industries, mining, or infrastructure work. The amount of groundwater to be used also affects the charges. Areas are divided into safe, semi-critical, critical, or over-exploited zones, which changes the fee further. Fees are different for new applications, renewals, extensions, or any changes in the existing NOC.

Environmental Compensation for Groundwater Extraction without CGWA NOC

Extracting groundwater without a CGWA NOC is considered illegal under the law. Such illegal activities require payment of environmental compensation as per CPCB guidelines. The compensation amount can be different and depends on different things like daily extraction, duration of violation, area classification, and deterrence factors. Consequences or penalties apply to industries, mining units, infrastructure projects, and commercial users. Critical and overexploited areas are entitled to higher compensation to prevent illegal extraction and support aquifer restoration, in accordance with the law.

States and Union Territories Regulated by CGWA

Here are the States and Union Territories regulated by CGWA:

• Andaman and Nicobar Islands
• Assam
• Arunachal Pradesh
• Bihar
• Chhattisgarh
• Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
• Gujarat
• Jharkhand
• Madhya Pradesh
• Maharashtra
• Manipur
• Meghalaya
• Mizoram
• Nagaland
• Odisha
• Rajasthan
• Sikkim
• Tripura
• Uttarakhand

Corpseed is one of the top consulting firms, offering complete support in environmental compliance and guiding businesses through every required step. Our work focuses on proper planning, accurate documentation, and smooth approvals to ensure groundwater use remains legal and well-managed. Here is how Corpseed supports the process:

• Project Review: We study the project details to confirm whether a CGWA NOC is required and select the correct project category as per the rules.
• Document Support: We help prepare, review, and organize all required documents in the correct format to avoid errors.
• Online Filing: We handle portal registration, form submission, document upload, and online fee payment smoothly.
• Compliance Guidance: We provide guidance on installing water meters, recharge systems, and monitoring wells to meet CGWA requirements.
• Authority Follow-up: We coordinate with the relevant offices and respond to questions raised during the application review.
• Renewal Assistance: We support timely renewals and updates so approvals remain active and valid.