CGWA Central Ground Water Authority

Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA), constituted by the Government of India under Section 3 (3) of the Environment (Protection) Act (EPA) of 1986, in pursuance of the Order of the Hon‟ble Supreme Court of India, has been regulating ground water development and management in the country. As per law it is mandatory for well owners, including those of individual residents and government bodies, to seek CGWA permission before digging and extracting groundwater from them for commercial and industrial use. In exercise of powers conferred upon the Authority, it regulates ground water development through advisories, directions, notifications etc. as and when specific situation arises. The Authority has been granting No Objection Certificates (NOC) for withdrawal of groundwater by Industries/ infrastructure/ mining projects. The Authority has framed guidelines for grant of NOC for withdrawal of groundwater, which have been revised from time to time.