Guwahati: No Unauthorised Extraction of Groundwater Without Proper Clearance from Govt

GUWAHATI: Deputy Commissioner of Kamrup (M) district and Chairman, District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Pallav Gopal Jha issued a notification directed to enforce strict vigil of such uncontrolled boring and extraction of groundwater.

The notification states-Whereas, it has been reported from different quarters regarding haphazard, unscientific extraction of groundwater without proper permission from concerned authorities by various persons/builders/societies.

Whereas such unabated, uncontrolled boring and extraction of groundwater, if not stopped will cause various environmental problems such as decreased water level, water pollution and deterioration of water quality.

Moreover, due to rapid urbanisation and development activities, the areas 11 111210 infiltration 21 11011 has been lessening day by day leading to decreasing natural recharge of the groundwater.

Considering the above facts and in view of greater public interest I Sri Pallav Gopal Jha, IAS, Deputy Commissioner & Chairman, District Disaster Management Authority, Kamrup (M) as per the power conferred upon Ill under Section 30. 2 (iii), (iv),(xx), (xxii) and 41.1(c) and 41.2 of Disaster Management Act, 2005 prohibits all types of extraction of groundwater in any form under the jurisdiction of Kamrup Metropolitan District without proper permission from Central Ground Water Board.

Again the Commissioner, Guwahati Municipal Corporation is directed to enforce strict vigil of such uncontrolled boring and extraction of groundwater.

However, for obtaining NOC for extracting groundwater, the applicants may apply online at www.cpwa-noc.gov.in

Notably, nearly 70 per cent of the city residents are dependent on groundwater as the GMC, Public Health Engineering and Assam Urban Water Supply & Sewerage Board are able to provide water to only 30 per cent of the city's population.

While the city waits for its three ambitious water projects – South Central Guwahati, East and West Guwahati water projects – the continued dependence on groundwater is fast depleting the reserve. Experts have favoured a cap on the volume of groundwater that highrise buildings can extract so that the valuable resource is not wasted. In many city areas, wells and ordinary tube wells have run dry as nearby high-rises continue to draw groundwater in huge amounts.

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