PUNJAB GUIDELINES FOR

GROUNDWATER EXTRACTION AND

CONSERVATION, 2020

Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority

S.C.O 149-152, Sector-17, Chandigarh
 Table of Contents
CHAPTER-1 .............................................................................................................................................. 4
BACKGROUND AND DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................ 4
1.1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................ 4
1.2 AD-INTERIM PERMISSION......................................................................................................... 4
1.3 RECEIPT OF OBJECTIONS WITH FEES (Rs 500) ........................................................................... 5
1.4 HEARINGS ................................................................................................................................ 5
1.5 RESPONSE TO OBJECTIONS....................................................................................................... 5
1.6 GROUNDWATER CHARGES ....................................................................................................... 6
1.7 CHARGES ON EXTRACTION OF GROUNDWATER LEVIED BY OTHER ENTITIES ............................. 6
1.8 COVID 19 EPIDEMIC ................................................................................................................. 7
1.9 DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................................ 7
CHAPTER 2 .............................................................................................................................................. 8
GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION ............................................................................................................ 8
2.1 WATER CONSERVATION BY USERS AND BY PUBLIC AGENCIES .................................................. 8
2.2 WATER CONSERVATION SCHEMES ........................................................................................... 9
2.3 WATER CONSERVATION BY UNITS ............................................................................................ 9
2.4 WATER SAVING SCHEMES IN AGRICULTURE ........................................................................... 10
2.5 GROUNDWATER RECHARGE ................................................................................................... 12
2.6 WASTE WATER TREATMENT AND REUSE ................................................................................ 13
2.7 IMPLEMENTING WATER CONSERVATION COLLECTIVELY BY WATER USERS ............................. 13
CHAPTER 3 ............................................................................................................................................ 14
CHARGES FOR GROUNDWATER EXTRACTION ........................................................................................ 14
3.1 PAYMENT OF CHARGES .......................................................................................................... 14
3.2 SCHEDULE OF CHARGES ......................................................................................................... 14
3.3 ACTUAL WATER CONSUMPTION HIGHER THAN PERMITTED QUANTITY .................................. 16
3.4 BILLING CYCLE AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE............................................................................... 17
3.5 FAILURE TO PAY ON TIME....................................................................................................... 17
3.6 WATER METERING ................................................................................................................. 18
3.7 CHARGES FOR PERIOD WITHOUT METERING .......................................................................... 18
3.8 CHARGES FOR GROUND WATER CONVEYANCE THROUGH WATER TANKERS .......................... 18

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 3.9 GROUNDWATER COMPENSATION FOR UNAUTHORISED USE OF WATER TANKER ................... 19
3.10 EXTRACTION OF SALINE GROUND WATER .............................................................................. 19
3.11 PERMISSION OBTAINED FROM CENTRAL GROUNDWATER AUTHORITY .................................. 20
CHAPTER 4 ............................................................................................................................................ 21
APPLICATION FEES................................................................................................................................. 21
4.1 FEES FOR VARIOUS APPLICATIONS: ........................................................................................ 21
CHAPTER 5 ............................................................................................................................................ 22
PERMISSION FOR GROUNDWATER EXTRACTION ................................................................................... 22
5.1 EXEMPTIONS FROM SEEKING PERMISSION............................................................................. 22
5.2 VALIDITY OF PERMISSION ....................................................................................................... 22
5.3 AMENDMENT TO PERMISSION ............................................................................................... 23
5.4 RENEWAL OF PERMISSION ..................................................................................................... 23
5.5 CANCELLATION OF PERMISSION ............................................................................................. 24
CHAPTER 6 ............................................................................................................................................ 24
GROUNDWATER COMPENSATION AND OTHER CHARGES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE ................................ 24
6.1 GROUNDWATER COMPENSATION CHARGES .......................................................................... 24
6.2 INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT AND INSTRUMENTS .......... 25
6.3 NON-COMPLIANCE CHARGES ................................................................................................. 25
CHAPTER 7 ............................................................................................................................................ 27
MONITORING OF GROUNDWATER EXTRACTION.................................................................................... 27
7.1 EXTRACTION METERING ......................................................................................................... 27
7.2 MEASUREMENT OF GROUNDWATER LEVELS .......................................................................... 27
7.3 COMPLIANCE OF CONDITIONS OF PERMISSION ...................................................................... 28
7.4 REGISTRATION OF DRILLING RIGS/EQUIPMENT, WATER SUPPLY TANKERS ............................. 28
7.5 WASTER WATER TREATMENT AND REUSE .............................................................................. 28
7.6 RAINWATER HARVESTING AND RECHARGE IN PREMISES OF UNITS ........................................ 29
7.7 RAINWATER HARVESTING AND RECHARGE BY MINING PROJECTS AND CONSTRUCTION
PROJECTS .......................................................................................................................................... 29
7.8 APPROVED BUILDING PLAN .................................................................................................... 29
7.9 SEALING OF ABANDONED/DEFUNCT STRUCTURES ................................................................. 29
CHAPTER 8 ............................................................................................................................................ 30
WATER AUDIT ....................................................................................................................................... 30
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ANNEXURE 1 ......................................................................................................................................... 32
OBJECTIONS REGARDING THE PUNJAB GUIDELINES ON GROUNDWATER EXTRACTION AND
CONSERVATION, 2020. ...................................................................................................................... 32
ANNEXURE 2 ......................................................................................................................................... 33
GROUND WATER RESOURCE ASSESSMENT ........................................................................................ 33
ANNEXURE 3 ......................................................................................................................................... 42
GROUNDWATER CHARGES .................................................................................................................... 42

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 CHAPTER-1
BACKGROUND AND DEFINITIONS

1.1 INTRODUCTION
The Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority (hereafter the
Authority) is publishing these Draft Directions of the Authority known as the
‘Punjab Guidelines for Groundwater Extraction and Conservation’ which shall
apply to all commercial and industrial water users in the state of Punjab (hereafter
Draft Guidelines) to seek comments and objections of any person during a period
of one month from the date of publication. A copy of these Draft Guidelines is
available on the website www.punjab.gov.in & www.irrigation.punjab.gov.in

Comments and Objections (hereinafter ‘Objections’) on this publication of

these Draft Guidelines are sought in terms of the provisions of the Punjab Water
Resources (Regulation and Management) Act, 2020 (hereafter the Act). The
finalised Guidelines shall be published and notified, after considering all Objections
received within one month of publication of these Draft Guidelines, as Directions
of the Authority in terms of Section 15 of the Act, and shall have effect from the
date of such Notification. These Draft Guidelines also contain proposed Charges
for the Extraction of Groundwater (including fees, compensation charges, non-
compliance charges, conservation credits, conveyance charges etc.) which shall be
levied after approval of the Government in terms of Section 17(5) of the Act. All
these Charges are termed ‘Groundwater Charges’ individually and collectively.
Since these Groundwater Charges are described in various Chapters (and
Paragraphs) of these Draft Guidelines, all of them have been collated and also
placed in Annexure 3 for ready reference.

1.2 AD-INTERIM PERMISSION

Till such date that these Draft Guidelines are finalised and notified, the
Authority may, if it deems fit and necessary, with the consent of the person
concerned, act upon these Draft Guidelines as if they were finalised and notified,
to permit any person (Applicant) to extract and conserve groundwater, subject to
compliance of the conditions contained in these Draft Guidelines, and without
prejudice to the liabilities of the Applicant concerned to comply with all terms and

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 conditions contained in the finalised Guidelines as and when notified, from the
date of such notification.

1.3 RECEIPT OF OBJECTIONS WITH FEES (Rs 500)

Objections may be submitted as follows by any person:
By email to: [email protected] , or
By post to: Secretary, Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority,
SCO 149-152, Sector 17 C, Chandigarh 160017.
All Objections should be in the Format placed at Annexure 1, and shall be
accompanied with the receipt of the applicable Fees of Rs 500/-payable to the
Authority in terms of Section 15(4) of the Act. The Fees may be paid as follows:

I) by online transfer to HDFC Bank Account 500100071567691 of the Authority

through Debit Card, Credit Card, or Net Banking or UPI or NEFT/RTGS, or

II) by cash at any of Branch of HDFC Bank in Punjab or Chandigarh in Account of

the Authority, or at Reception Counter of the Authority, or

III)by Indian Postal Order, Pay Order or Demand Draft in favour of Secretary,
Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority, payable at Chandigarh.

1.4 HEARINGS
The Authority may in its discretion hold hearings on the comments received
in response to these Draft Guidelines, and may hear any person either individually
or in a group. Such hearings shall be conducted in a manner, including by electronic
means, as directed by the Authority. It is clarified that no person shall have a right
to be heard in person, and it shall be the discretion of the Authority to call any
person for a hearing. However, it shall be the endeavour of the Authority that
every category or class of persons, as determined by the Authority, is afforded an
opportunity of being heard.

1.5 RESPONSE TO OBJECTIONS

The Authority shall not reply to, or express its opinion on individual
Objections received. However, the intent and purpose of all Objections received
shall be taken note of and considered before finalising the Guidelines. To this end
the Authority shall publish a summary of the main issues raised in the Objections
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 received and the Response of the Authority on such issues. This Response of the
Authority as well as the finalised Guidelines shall be available at
www.irrigation.punjab.gov.in or at such website which may be notified by
authority as and when the finalised Guidelines are notified by the Authority as per
the provisions of the Act.

1.6 GROUNDWATER CHARGES

These Draft Guidelines pertain to usage of groundwater for purposes other
than agriculture, drinking and domestic use. In other words, these Draft Guidelines
cover the commercial and industrial use of groundwater, including institutions,
construction and infrastructure projects.
No person shall be permitted to extract groundwater for commercial or
industrial use without obtaining permission from the Authority. Permission will be
granted subject to payment of Groundwater Charges and fulfilling of specified
conditions.
These Draft Guidelines contain the Charges to be levied on a volumetric
basis for the extraction of groundwater for commercial and industrial use, as well
as other charges pertaining to the extraction of groundwater, including application
fees, processing fees, registration fees, groundwater compensation, conveyance
charges, conservation credits etc., (hereafter Groundwater Charges). The
Government’s approval has been sought for all such Groundwater Charges in
terms of Section 17(5) of the Act. Whereas, comments have been sought on these
Draft Guidelines in their entirety including the Groundwater Charges contained
herein; it is clarified that these Groundwater Charges shall be levied only in
accordance with the approval of Government under section 17(5) of the Act.

1.7 CHARGES ON EXTRACTION OF GROUNDWATER LEVIED BY OTHER ENTITIES

Several Entities in the State including Urban Local Bodies, Panchayati Raj
Institutions, Government Departments, Area/Urban Development Authorities,
Improvement Trusts, water users’ associations, and bodies corporate may be
levying a charge on groundwater extracted, supplied or consumed, whether known
by any name such as a tariff, cess or fee. It is clarified that all such charges shall
continue to be levied by the concerned Entity as per its jurisdiction and
competence defined in the applicable law. The Groundwater Charges of the

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 Authority presently proposed to be levied under the Act are in addition to any
charges levied by the concerned Entities under the relevant enabling laws. The
Groundwater Charges proposed in these Draft Guidelines shall be notified after
approval of the Government in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

1.8 COVID 19 EPIDEMIC

The COVID-19 epidemic has caused considerable hardship to the economy
of the State, hence, it is considered appropriate that all Groundwater Charges in
these Draft Guidelines be reduced by 20% till March 31st, 2021.

1.9 DEFINITIONS
The words and phrases used in these Draft Guidelines that have been
defined in the Act or in the Regulations of the Authority shall have the same
meaning as defined therein. In addition:

a) ‘Applicant’ shall mean a person who applies for permission to extract and
conserve groundwater under these Guidelines for one or more Units, and
such person includes an individual, association of persons, firm, society,
company, department, autonomous body, statutory body or any other
legally recognised juridical person;
b) ‘Extraction’ with respect to groundwater shall mean to include the
abstraction, drawing out, conveyance or winning of groundwater through
any means or equipment from below the surface of the ground to the
surface or further to any place whether on the surface of the ground or
otherwise, and shall include the drawing out or winning of water from a
natural spring or artesian well at its source;
c) ‘Groundwater Charges’ shall mean all such charges as are fixed or charged
by the Authority with the approval of the Government under Section 17(5)
of the Act that relate to any activity connected with the extraction of
groundwater or incidental thereto. Such charges, known by any
nomenclature, shall include but shall not be limited to the following:
i. Groundwater Extraction Charges for permitted extraction of
Groundwater;
ii. Groundwater Conveyance Charges for the conveyance or
transportation of groundwater from its source to any place for

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 storage, consumption or usage through any means including
channels, aqueducts, pipelines or vehicles (tankers);
iii. Groundwater Exploration or Sourcing Charges for any activities
related to the development of new sources of groundwater, or the
augmentation and renovation thereof,
iv. Groundwater Compensation Charges for extraction or conveyance
of Groundwater without valid permission or in excess of permitted
quantity;
v. Various fees including Registration fees, Application fees etc. for any
purpose related to groundwater extraction, or conveyance including
any permission, intimation, return or registration;
vi. Non-Compliance Charges for violations and defaults etc.; and
vii. Conservation Credits for specified water conservation activities
undertaken by Water Users in relation to groundwater extraction.
d) ‘Unit’ shall mean a site including a project, plant, building, structure, mine,
plot, layout, colony, complex, infrastructure, construction site or land for
which permission is sought or for which permission is required or granted
for the extraction of groundwater under these Guidelines.

CHAPTER 2
GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION

2.1 WATER CONSERVATION BY USERS AND BY PUBLIC AGENCIES

The objective of these Guidelines is to promote and ensure conservation of
water by all persons extracting groundwater for commercial and industrial
purposes. This objective may be implemented by the Unit in two ways. First the
Unit may on its own accord implement water conservation measures both on its
premises and outside. However, if the Unit is unable to implement the required
water conservation measures, then the Authority shall utilise a portion of the
Groundwater Charges paid by the Unit for implementing water conservation
schemes through Public Agencies nominated by Government.

For Orange and Yellow Areas, the prescribed quantity of water to be

conserved shall be well in excess of the groundwater used by the Unit so that it has
a significant net positive impact on the water balance. Even for Units located in
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 Green Areas there shall be water conservation requirements. The burden of water
conservation measures has been reduced for small users that consume less than
10 cubic metres daily, since many such small enterprises have limited ability to pay.
This is reflected in the escalating slab rates of Groundwater Charges.

2.2 WATER CONSERVATION SCHEMES

The Government shall design and implement appropriate Water
Conservation Schemes for water conservation in important sectors such as
agriculture, groundwater recharge, urban rainwater harvesting, industrial
wastewater treatment and reuse, and rural wastewater management. The
Schemes shall be finalised in consultation with the Authority.

These Schemes may be implemented by any Water User or group or

association of Water Users at their own level. Such Water Users shall earn
appropriate Water Conservation Credits which shall effectively reduce their
volumetric Groundwater Charges. Each Water User shall be expected to meet his
target for water conservation as specified in these Draft Guidelines. In the event
that a Water User is not able to achieve his target, in part or in its entirety, then
the Groundwater Charges paid by him shall be utilised in part to defray the
expenses of implementing such Schemes by a Public Agency. These Schemes shall
be implemented on priority in the Orange and Yellow category areas. The highest
priority shall be accorded to implementing water conservation measures in Orange
category areas.

Conservation Credits will be available only on the schemes approved by the

Authority. It is clarified that in addition to Water Conservation Schemes finalised
by Government, Water Users may implement any other water conservation
measures with the approval of the Authority. From time to time, Authority may
also design or adopt new Water Conservation Schemes.

2.3 WATER CONSERVATION BY UNITS

All Units shall be expected to implement water conservation measures
inside their premises as required by any other Statutory Body or Agency. No credit
shall be provided in the Groundwater Charges for such activities. In case the Unit
implements water conservation within its premises in addition to its statutory
obligations, then it will be provided credit for the same. Units that undertake any
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 water conservation measures outside their premises in pursuance to these
Guidelines, shall be provided a credit that shall be deducted from the amount of
Groundwater Charges as per these Guidelines.

Units may apply to the Authority for implementing a Water Conservation

Scheme to earn Conservation Credits in any of the sectors mentioned in Paragraph
2.2 and may proceed to implement such Scheme after approval of the Authority.

The monitoring of Water Conservation by units shall be done by an Agency

to be specified by the Authority.

2.4 WATER SAVING SCHEMES IN AGRICULTURE

Water conservation measures that can be implemented by Units outside
their premises in the agriculture sector include water saving in existing crops;
replacing paddy cultivation with other crops that consume less water. Units may
implement these measures of their own accord.
The saving in water will be based on the measured consumption of water in
the field as compared to the benchmark of water consumption set for the crop in
consultation with agriculture experts. Initially, this exercise will be limited to
farmers using groundwater only. Priority shall be given to Orange and Yellow areas.
Some of the feasible interventions and the possible savings of water are listed
below:

1. Water saving practices in paddy crop

a. Delaying paddy transplanting to June 25 or later;
Water saving: 100-200 mm or 1,000 to 2,000 m3 per hectare.

b. Alternate wetting and drying, and maximum 50 mm depth of

irrigation water in the paddy field;
Water saving: 150-250 mm or 1,500-2,500 m3 per hectare.

c. Delaying paddy transplanting to June 25 or later coupled with

growing short duration varieties;
Water saving: 150-250 mm or 1,500-2,500 m3 per hectare.

2. Water Saving Practices in wheat crop

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 a. Use of small irrigation plots (6-8 plots per acre) for wheat crop;
Water saving: up to 35 mm or up to 350 m3 per hectare.

b. Direct sowing of wheat in standing paddy stubble using zero-till drills

such as Happy Seeder or Super Seeder;
Water saving: up to 70 mm or up to 700 m3 per hectare.

c. Controlled irrigation of wheat field as per PAU recommendations;

Water saving: 75-100 mm or 750-1000 m3 per hectare.

d. Furrow irrigation in bed-planted wheat;

Water saving: up to 75 mm or 750 m3 per hectare.

e. Irrigation through sub-surface drip system;

Saving of water: 350-450 mm or 3,500-4,000 m3 per hectare.

3. Replacing paddy with other less water consuming crops

Groundwater resources can be conserved by diversifying from paddy
crop to other water saving crops in the Kharif season as mentioned below.

a. From paddy to Kharif Maize;

Water saving: 1,000 mm or 10,000 m3 per hectare.

b. From paddy to millets (bajra);

Water saving: 1,100 mm or 11,000 m3 per hectare.

c. From paddy to oilseeds (groundnut);

Water saving:1,100 mm or 11,000 m3 per hectare.

d. From paddy to pulses (moong bean);

Water saving:1,100 mm or 11,000 m3 per hectare.

It is suggested that the feasibility of these water savings and the modalities
for implementing measures that encourage farmers to achieve these savings may
be formulated by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

The Authority recommends that when framing Water Conservation

Schemes in the Agriculture sector, the Government may give priority first, to
schemes incentivizing replacing of paddy cultivation with other less water
consuming crops, orchards, trees or plantations; and second, for farmers that
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 continue to cultivate paddy, schemes involving water saving during paddy
cultivation.

2.5 GROUNDWATER RECHARGE

a. Revival of drains:
Drains allow groundwater recharge through seepage. Some drains
are either defunct or carry less water than their designed capacity due to
siltation etc. Such drains can be revived by desilting and repairing them to
increase their capacity to carry water and to recharge groundwater. The
cross section of the drain can be restored or improved and ponds can be
created by constructing check dams at intervals along the drain, leading to
enhanced local groundwater recharge.
b. Groundwater recharge structures along canals, drains, rivulets, etc:
A significant amount of water in canals, drains, choes and rivulets
during rainy season remains unutilised. This water could be used to
recharge the groundwater. Recharge structures can be constructed along
canals, drains, choes and rivulets so that excess water during the monsoon
(and during the slack irrigation season in canals) can be used to recharge
the groundwater aquifer.
c. Groundwater recharge structures for storm water in urban areas:
Urban areas contain extensive hard surfaces such as roads,
pavements, building roof tops etc. that prevent infiltration of rain water into
the ground. This leads to extensive storm water runoff from these spaces to
drains and rivers. Whereas, private buildings and premises are required to
construct rainwater harvasitng systems including recharge strucutres by the
local bodies or the environmental authorities, such recharge structures for
rainwater runoff can be constructed in public spaces in urban areas to
improve groundwater recharge in cities.

It is suggested that the Department of Water Resources may examine

the feasibility of all such measures and work out the modalities for
implementing them.

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2.6 WASTE WATER TREATMENT AND REUSE
a) Industrial waste water reuse:

Industrial waste water can be treated to meet required standards and reused
for non-drinking and irrigation purposes. In case a Water User chooses to treat
waste, water and make it available for reuse by achieving standards that are
demonstrably higher/better than those prescribed by the law (by the
environmental or other authority) then such Water User shall be eligible for
conservation credits for such volume of water reused, if the Authority so
approves,

It is understood that the Department of Science Technology and

Environment is working on an action plan for implementing measures for
treatment and reuse of industrial waste water for irrigation.
b) Village pond renovation for waste water treatment, recharge and reuse for
irrigation:
Village ponds presently getting untreated wastewater along with runoff from
their catchment area can be renovated to improve their storage capacity and to
treat the wastewater and runoff water collected in the pond. This treated water
will seep underground and can also be utilised for irrigation and other non-
drinking purposes. Water Users may implement measures to renovate village
ponds and to treat the water collected in village ponds so that it is reused for
irrigation or other non-drinking purposes, provided that the treated water
meets the prescribed standards.
It is suggested that the Department of Rural Development and
Panchayats may work out the modalities for renovation, operation and
maintenance of village ponds.

2.7 IMPLEMENTING WATER CONSERVATION COLLECTIVELY BY WATER USERS

Water Users may implement water conservation schemes outside their
premises of their own accord either individually or collectively. They may for the
purpose of collective water conservation measures constitute an Association or a
Special Purpose Vehicle (a society, firm or company etc.) jointly funded and
managed by a group of Water Users. Alternatively, Water Users may outsource
their water conservation measures and may for this purpose engage a service
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 provider or organisation of their choice as to implement the water conservation
measures on their behalf. Such collective water conservation measures shall be
intimated to the Authority in advance, and the Authority shall be informed about
the person(s) authorised to report the volume of water saved or conserved, and
the apportionment of such conserved volume of water amongst the water users
concerned.

CHAPTER 3
CHARGES FOR GROUNDWATER EXTRACTION

3.1 PAYMENT OF CHARGES

Extraction of groundwater shall be permitted upon payment of
Groundwater Extraction Charges as described below.

3.2 SCHEDULE OF CHARGES

Each Water User shall be permitted to extract groundwater upon payment
of the following charges and upon fulfilment of conditions imposed in the
permission granted by the Authority, including commitments and liabilities to
conserve groundwater.
Table 1: Groundwater Extraction Charges (Gross)
Category of Area* Quantity Used
S.no <10 m3/day 10-100 m3/day >100 m3/day
Charges in Rupees/ m3
1 Orange 8 18 22
2 Yellow 6 14 18
3 Green 4 10 14
* Details are in Annexure 2 and apply to the entire document.

Explanation: Slab Rates for Groundwater extraction.

Groundwater charges shall be volumetric and shall be based on actual
consumption. The initial quantity (up to 10 cubic metres per day) shall be charged
at the lowest applicable rate in the Schedule of Charges above and additional

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quantities extracted during the billing period (month) shall be charged at the
higher rates given in the said Schedule.
The water conservation target as a percentage of the groundwater
consumed by each unit shall be as follows:
Table 2 : Water Conservation Targets
Area Quantity of Groundwater Consumed
<10 m3/day 10-100 m3/day >100 m3/day
Orange 200% 300% 400%
Yellow 150% 200% 300%
Green 100% 150% 200%

Accordingly, the Credit (rebate) for water conservation shall be allowed at

a rate of Rs 2.00 per cubic metre of water saved by the unit, subject to the upper
limit of the target specified in the Table above.
The table below shows the water conservation credits that shall be available
to a Unit in a particular zone if it fully achieves its target for water conservation in
that zone:
Table 3: Water Conservation Credits
Category of Area* Quantity Used
S.no <10 m3/day 10-100 m3/day >100 m3/day
Credits in Rupees/ m3
1 Orange 4 6 8
2 Yellow 3 4 6
3 Green 2 3 4

Accordingly, if a Unit in a Green Block which consumes less than 10 cubic

metres per day achieves its targets of water conservation (100%) then it shall
receive the credit (rebate) of Rs. 2.00 for every cubic metre of water conserved.
Therefore, its net groundwater charge shall be 4-2= Rs. 2.
Similarly, if a Unit in an Orange Block which consumes more than 100 cubic
metres per day achieves its water conservation target (400%) then for the quantity
of water above 100cum/day the net charge shall be 22-8= Rs 14. These Net Charges
are described in the Table that follows.

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 Table 4: Net Groundwater Extraction Charges for a unit that fully achieves its
water conservation target
Category of Area* Quantity Used
S.no <10 m3/day 10-100 m3/day >100 m3/day
Credits in Rupees/ m3
1 Orange 4 12 14
2 Yellow 3 10 12
3 Green 2 7 10

Note: The Net Charges in Table 4 above are based on the assumption that the Unit
has achieved its entire target for water conservation measures by implementing
such measures through its own efforts, and has reported the same to the Authority
for its approval.
Water conservation measures implemented by a Unit for which it wants to
claim Conservation Credits shall be inspected and assessed by the designated
Monitoring Agency. The Conservation Credits will be given only after the
Monitoring Agency intimates to the Authority its assessment and the details about
the quantity of Water actually conserved by the user as per the Scheme. Till such
assessment is available, the unit shall continue to make payment of groundwater
extraction charges at the applicable rates.

3.3 ACTUAL WATER CONSUMPTION HIGHER THAN PERMITTED QUANTITY

In case the water user extracts a quantity greater than the permitted
amount for two or more consecutive billing periods (months) then his permitted
quantity shall be revised to the highest level of consumption recorded in any one
of those months. In case monthly readings of the water meter are not available for
any reason, then the average monthly consumption of groundwater shall be
calculated for the period and the permitted quantity shall be revised (increased)
accordingly.
In the event that the permitted quantity of groundwater extraction is
revised then the Water User shall be liable and responsible for paying additional
charges for the increased quantity permitted as well as for undertaking water
conservation measures, installing equipment and water meters etc. as specified by
the Authority for such increased quantity. All such liabilities shall begin from the
first date of the month in which the higher consumption is recorded, noticed,
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 calculated or inferred. However, the time allowed for complying with any condition
that involves the installation or alteration of any machinery, equipment or
structure shall begin from the date that such revised permission for the higher
quantity is granted.

3.4 BILLING CYCLE AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE

All volumetric charges shall be billed and paid on a monthly basis. A month
shall be deemed to consist of 30 days for the purpose of calculating the slab rates
applicable.
Example: If in any given month a Water User in an Orange Area consumes 500
cubic metres of groundwater then the first 300 cubic metres (10x30) of
groundwater consumed shall be billed at Rs 8 per cubic metre and the remaining
200 cubic metres shall be billed at Rs 18 per cubic metre, the total bill amounting
to Rs 2,400 + 3,600 = Rs 6,000.
Payment of Groundwater Charges shall be made on monthly basis. All
payments shall be due on the 10th day of the month. Interest and Surcharge shall
be levied on delayed payments as specified.
An Advance Deposit shall be paid by the Water User at the time of grant of
permission. This advance deposit shall be equivalent to two months of charges for
the permitted quantity of groundwater extraction. The Advance Deposit may be
adjusted against dues or arrears of any nature pertaining to the User. In that event
the User shall have to replenish the Advance deposit within the time period
specified by the Authority.

3.5 FAILURE TO PAY ON TIME

Failure to make any payment in full and on time by a Water User shall be
sufficient cause for the Authority to take remedial action for default, including but
not limited to imposition and recovery of Groundwater Compensation Charges and
interest as applicable, and also to take action for failure to comply with directions
of the Authority. Such action under the provisions of the Act may include
disconnecting the electricity connections, sealing the groundwater structures of
the defaulting Water User, and cancellation of permission.

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3.6 WATER METERING
All groundwater extraction structures shall have volumetric water meters
installed on them. All water meters shall conform to the technical specifications,
performance parameters and connectivity standards etc. as specified by the
Authority. It shall be the responsibility of the Water User to ensure that each water
meter is fully functional and in proper working order at all times.
Groundwater charges shall be volumetric and will based on meter readings.
Groundwater charges shall be paid by the Water User on a self-assessed basis
every month in accordance with the meter reading taken, recorded and reported
by the water user. After water meter readings are obtained by an authorised
person on behalf of the Authority, either physically or electronically, the balance
charges if any shall either be paid by the Water User when the next bill is due or
shall be credited to his account, as the case may be. In case the water user is found
to have concealed or misreported the water meter reading for any period (month)
then the Water User shall be considered to have unauthorisedly extracted the
assessed quantity of groundwater during that period and shall be liable for the
consequences thereof including payment of compensation charges.

3.7 CHARGES FOR PERIOD WITHOUT METERING

If groundwater is extracted by a water user for any period when a meter is
not installed or is not functioning or is defective, then the consumption of
groundwater during such period shall be assessed by the Authority in a transparent
manner as it may specify in each case or in each class of similar cases. The charges
for such assessed quantity of groundwater consumed shall be equal to the
Groundwater Compensation calculated as per the provisions of these Guidelines.

3.8 CHARGES FOR GROUND WATER CONVEYANCE THROUGH WATER TANKERS

The following Groundwater Conveyance Charges shall be paid by a water
tanker conveying, supplying or delivering groundwater for any purpose. These
charges shall be irrespective of the groundwater charges, if any, payable by the
owner or operator of the water extraction structure. However, no groundwater
conveyance charge shall be paid by a water tanker for supply of drinking water in
pockets with brackish or saline groundwater at all depths.

P a g e 18 | 50
 Table 5: Ground Water Conveyance Charges
S.no Area Charges in Rs./cum
1 Orange Area 22
2 Yellow Area 18
3 Green Area 14
The rates shall apply as per the location of the abstraction structure

Explanation: The groundwater conveyance charges shall be paid by the owner or

operator of the registered water tanker vehicle in advance every month. The
monthly advance charges shall be paid on a self-assessed basis by the 10th day of
the month. The monthly advance payment shall be matched with the actual
conveyance by the water tanker recorded by GPS coordinate data, based on the
assumption that the water tanker carries its full capacity for each trip. The balance
amount calculated as per the actual conveyance shall be paid or credited, as the
case may be, with the next monthly payment, or within 60 days, whichever is
earlier.

3.9 GROUNDWATER COMPENSATION FOR UNAUTHORISED USE OF WATER TANKER

No Water Tanker shall carry groundwater unless it is registered with the
Authority. In case a water tanker vehicle is used for conveyance of groundwater
without registration with the Authority, then without prejudice to any other action
that may be taken or charges that may be levied, the water tanker shall in addition
to the groundwater conveyance charges also pay groundwater compensation at a
rate equal to twice the amount of groundwater conveyance charges mentioned in
Paragraph 3.8 above.

3.10 EXTRACTION OF SALINE GROUND WATER

Extraction of brackish/saline ground water in a pocket where the acquifers
at all levels up to 300 metres depth contain only brackish/saline ground water will
be permitted at 25% of the applicable groundwater extraction charges. No water
conservation target or credits shall apply in such cases. The unit shall submit a
hydrogeological report detailing the contours of the brackish/saline aquifer and its
potential, and an assessment of the risk of mixing of good quality water due to
extraction of brackish/saline water. The Unit shall also submit a copy of its
environmental clearance as may be applicable.
P a g e 19 | 50
 The boundaries of such pockets within in each assessment unit which
contain brackish/saline ground water at all depths shall be identified by the
Government as per its latest assessment of dynamic ground water resources.
Further, the quality parameters of groundwater extracted or to be extracted by
the Unit shall be tested and this will be that basis for granting or refusing
permission to a Unit that may lie within such an identified pocket.
In case such a Unit does not require environmental clearance, the Authority
may impose conditions in respect of disposal, treatment and reuse of waste water
and effluents so as to protect water resources including water bodies, water
channels, surface water and groundwater.

3.11 PERMISSION OBTAINED FROM CENTRAL GROUNDWATER AUTHORITY

In case a Water User has already obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC)
of the Central Groundwater Authority (CGWA) prior to the date of publication of
these Draft Guidelines, then that permission shall be treated as valid for the period
that it has been granted by the CGWA. However, the Water User shall be bound
by all the terms and conditions of this Notification including Groundwater Charges
and shall apply to the Authority for obtaining permission, along with details of the
NOC obtained from CGWA. All activities, including Water Conservation measures,
undertaken in accordance with the CGWA’s NOC shall be given due consideration
and credit when granting permission by the Authority.

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 CHAPTER 4
APPLICATION FEES

4.1 FEES FOR VARIOUS APPLICATIONS:

Fees are required to be paid along with the application as mentioned below:
Table 6: Fees for Various Applications
S Nature of Application Groundwater Extraction Volume
No.
<10 m3/day 10-100 100-1000 > 1000
m3/day m3/day m3/day
Fees in Rs.
1 Fresh Permission & Renewal 2,000 5,000 20,000 1,00,000
2 Change in User ID 1,000 2,000 5,000 10,000
3 Change in Name 1,000 2,000 5,000 10,000
4 Extension of Permission 1,000 2,000 5,000 10,000
5 Duplicate Permission 1,000 2,000 5,000 10,000
6 Corrigendum to Permission 1,000 2,000 5,000 10,000
7 Alteration or Correction 1,000 2,000 5,000 10,000
8 Cancellation or Amalgamation 1,000 2,000 5,000 10,000
of Permission
9 Registration of Drilling Rig 25,000
10 Registration of Water Tanker 10,000
11 Registration of Extraction 1,000 2,000 10,000 25,000
Structure or Tube Well
12 Comments and Objections, 500
pertaining to the draft
Guidelines

Explanation: A Drilling Rig or Water Tanker may apply for any of the services listed
at serial numbers 2 to 8 in the Table above with reference to the Rig or Tanker and
shall pay the fees specified for a volume of groundwater extracted between 10 to
100 cubic metres per day for each such Rig or Tanker.

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 CHAPTER 5
PERMISSION FOR GROUNDWATER EXTRACTION

5.1 EXEMPTIONS FROM SEEKING PERMISSION

a) The following categories of uses shall be exempted from seeking permission
for groundwater extraction and conservation:
i. Drinking and Domestic water usage;
ii. All Agricultural water usage, that is water used for any activities included
in the definition of ‘Agriculture and related activities’ by the
Government;

b) The following categories of water users shall be exempted from seeking

permission for groundwater extraction and conservation:
i. Drinking Water Supply schemes of Government, whether managed or
operated by Government or by any other person including a water users’
association;
ii. Establishments of the Military and Central Paramilitary Forces;
iii. Urban Local Bodies and Panchayati Raj Institutions, Improvement Trusts
and Area Housing and Urban Development Authorities; and Places of
Worship.

Note: It is clarified that all other categories of water usage and water users
including industrial, commercial, infrastructure, institutional, construction
and mining shall require permission for groundwater extraction and
conservation.

5.2 VALIDITY OF PERMISSION

All permissions for groundwater extraction and conservation shall be
granted for a period of three years unless specified otherwise by the Authority.
The Authority may for reasons to be recorded, modify or amend any
conditions of permission after giving notice to affected persons and affording them
an opportunity to provide their responses, replies or objections.

P a g e 22 | 50
 Fresh conditions of permission may be imposed at any time by the Authority
as regards any existing or previously granted permissions, for reasons to be
recorded by the Authority after giving notice as per the provisions of the Act.

5.3 AMENDMENT TO PERMISSION

In case of a change in the quantum of water extracted or intended to be
extracted by a water user then such user shall apply for an amendment to his
permission either in advance or within 30 days of the change. However, if such
change in quantity necessitates any alterations or modifications to any water
extraction structure or requires the construction of a new structure then the user
shall necessarily apply in advance and shall undertake any such alteration,
modification or construction only after permission has been granted.
In case any alteration, modification, of any water extraction structure,
machinery or equipment is urgently or immediately required to be undertaken to
maintain the operations of the user, then the user may proceed with such
alteration, replacement or repair, and inform the authority. The user shall inform
the Authority within 30 days of any such urgent alteration, replacement or repair.
If such activity leads to an increase in the groundwater extraction utilisation or
capacity of the water user then the user shall seek permission for the additional
quantity along with such intimation.
It is clarified that if a water extraction structure requires only replacement
or repair without any alteration or modification, then the water user may proceed
with such replacement or repair either after informing the Authority in advance or
he may inform the Authority within 30 days of beginning the process of such
replacement or repair.

5.4 RENEWAL OF PERMISSION

The water user shall apply at least three months prior to the expiry of
permission for renewal of the same, in the specified format along with the required
documents and compliance statements. Renewal applications received late shall
be charged a fee for delay as specified by the Authority. Any unauthorised
extraction of water after permission period has expired and has not been renewed,
shall be subject to Groundwater Compensation Charges as applicable.

P a g e 23 | 50
5.5 CANCELLATION OF PERMISSION
In the event that a water user fails to comply with any condition of the
permission granted or fails to comply with any direction of the Authority then in
addition to any other action that the Authority may take in this regard, the
permission granted may be cancelled.

CHAPTER 6
GROUNDWATER COMPENSATION AND OTHER CHARGES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE

6.1 GROUNDWATER COMPENSATION CHARGES

Any Water User who is required to obtain Ground Water Extraction
Permission as per directions or orders of the Authority under the provisions of the
Act and extracts ground water without valid permission shall be liable to pay
enhanced Groundwater charges to be known as Groundwater Compensation
Charges (GCC)for the quantum of ground water so extracted. The Groundwater
Compensation Charges levied for such unauthorised extraction of groundwater
shall be calculated as per the following equation:

GCC = Ground water extraction per day x Groundwater Compensation Rate (GCR)
x No. of days that Unit operates without valid permission of the Authority;
where ground water extraction is in m3/day and GCR is in Rs./ m3
Groundwater Compensation Rates for Unauthorized extraction, in Rupees per
cubic metre are as follows.

Table 7: Groundwater Compensation Rates

S No Category of area < 10 m3/day 10 -100 m3/day > 100 m3/day

1 Orange 16 36 44
2 Yellow 12 28 36
3 Green 8 20 28

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6.2 INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT AND
INSTRUMENTS
All machinery, equipment and instruments installed or used by the water
user for any purpose connected with groundwater extraction or conservation,
including measurement and monitoring thereof, shall be as specified by the
Authority. The water user shall be bound to install all such equipment,
instruments, machinery and structures as may be required by the Authority for any
purpose connected with the extraction or conservation of groundwater. In the
event that the water user does not comply with such specifications, requirements
or directions he shall be liable to pay Non-compliance Charges fixed by the
Authority as described below.

6.3 NON-COMPLIANCE CHARGES

Non-compliance charges for certain violations and defaults are described
below. These may be amended or revised from time to time.
Table 8: Non-compliance charges

Charges in Rs.
S.
Items Units using Units using
No.
<100 m3/day >100 m3/day
Non-installation of appropriate Water Meter, or
1 50,000 200,000
faulty Water Meter
Non-disclosure or unauthorised construction of 50,000 200,000
groundwater abstraction or injection structures 25,000 100,000
2
Each functional Structure
Each Defunct/Abandoned Structure
Non-Construction or Inadequate capacity of
3 Water Recharge or Water conservation 100,000 500,000
structures or measures
Non-maintenance of Recharge structures/ Water
4 20,000 100,000
conservation structures/measures
Unauthorised Injection of water into the ground.
Note: Water user shall be separately responsible
5 500,000 2,000,000
for aquifer remediation as required by the
competent authority

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 Non-maintenance of log book or non-submission
of groundwater extraction data in time.
6 10,000 50,000
Other violations pertaining to documentation
and reporting.
7 Non-Submission of Water Audit Report in time 25,000 100,000
Construction or excavation of groundwater
8 extraction structure by unauthorized or 50,000 200,000
unregistered Drilling Rig (per structure).

9 Non-registration of each water supply tanker 50,000

10 Non-registration of each well drilling rig 200,000
11 Rig registered but without working GPS 10,000
Water tanker registered but without working
12 5,000
GPS
Submission of false information or undertaking
13 25,000 100,000
or failure to comply with undertaking in time
Non-payment of any Groundwater Charges 1.5% of the 1.5% of the
including Fees, Non-Compliance Charges, overdue overdue
14 Compensation Charges etc. on the due date; for amount amount
every month or part thereof of delay (to be
compounded annually)

Explanation 1: In case an act or omission by a Water User amounts to violation of

more than one of the conditions of permission or directions of the Authority then
each of the Non-compliance charges applicable shall be levied and the Water User
shall be liable to pay the total amounts of all such charges.
Explanation 2: These charges are without prejudice to any civil or criminal
proceedings that the Authority may initiate in accordance with the provisions of
the Act and the Regulations framed thereunder.
Explanation 3: In case the Water User consumes any groundwater that is not
metered or is improperly or incorrectly measured during any period of time due to
an act or omission on the part of the User, then such consumption shall be treated
as unauthorised and the User shall pay groundwater compensation charges for the
assessed quantity of such unauthorised extraction of groundwater. This shall be in
addition to, and without prejudice to any non-compliance charges levied or
payable.

P a g e 26 | 50
 CHAPTER 7
MONITORING OF GROUNDWATER EXTRACTION

7.1 EXTRACTION METERING

Each Unit shall measure the ground water extracted from each tube well
located in its premises on a daily basis. A Log Book for recording the daily volume
of groundwater extracted from each tube well shall be maintained in electronic or
physical format as required. Electronic or physical reports based on the log book
shall be submitted or uploaded as specified in the permission. The Unit shall install
a water meter at each of its extraction structures depending on the total
groundwater extracted by the Unit as per the following Table:

Table 9: Type of Water Meter Required

Quantum of Ground Water Extracted (m3/day)

<10 10-100 >100
Mechanical Water Meter Digital Water Meter Digital water meter with telemetry

In other words, if a Unit has three tube wells and uses 40 cubic metres of
groundwater every day, then it shall install a digital water meter at each of the
three tube wells irrespective of the fact that a particular tube well my extract less
than 10 cubic metres of groundwater per day.

7.2 MEASUREMENT OF GROUNDWATER LEVELS

a. All units extracting ground water exceeding 1000m3/day are required to
monitor the ground water levels through a piezometer. The details of the
piezometer shall be as follows:
i. The Piezometer shall be located at a horizontal distance ranging from
25to 75metres away from any tube well extracting groundwater.
ii. The diameter of the piezometer should be between 100 and 150 mm.
iii. The piezometer shall be of the same depth and also tap the same
aquifer zones as the pumping tube well.
iv. The piezometer shall be fitted with a digital water level recorder
along with telemetry.
v. A Display board showing the details of the piezometer shall be
installed in the vicinity of the structure.
P a g e 27 | 50
 b.
i. All units drawing water between 50m3 and 1000m3/day shall monitor
the water level manually in the tube well every Monday at a fixed
time after the tube well has not been in operation for at least two
hours. The readings are to be recorded in a register specifically
maintained for the purpose and communicated periodically to the
Authority as per details in the Permission letter.
ii. The water level measurements may be taken through a 25 mm
airline (PVC or GI) lowered in the tube well to an appropriate depth.
The water levels may be measured either with the help of a
graduated steel water-level measuring tape or with an electrical
sounder.

7.3 COMPLIANCE OF CONDITIONS OF PERMISSION

All Units shall comply with the provisions and conditions mentioned in the
Permission granted and shall submit periodical reports as specified. Any non-
compliance, partial compliance or delay in complying with any of the provisions or
conditions of Permission shall amount to a violation of directions of the Authority.

7.4 REGISTRATION OF DRILLING RIGS/EQUIPMENT, WATER SUPPLY TANKERS

Registration of the following machinery, equipment and vehicles shall be
compulsory:
a. Well drilling rigs with a vehicle registration number in the state of Punjab as
well as Rigs entering Punjab state to undertake water well drilling, drilling
equipment mounted on a truck/ drawn by a tractor/operated manually
through an engine. All rigs/drilling machinery as above shall be equipped
with a working GPS system.
b. Tankers used for Water supply with a vehicle registration number in the state
of Punjab as well as such vehicles entering Punjab state. All water tanker
vehicles shall be equipped with a working GPS system.
7.5 WASTER WATER TREATMENT AND REUSE
All units should obtain consent or clearance from competent authority
regarding treatment, discharge and reuse of waste water.

P a g e 28 | 50
7.6 RAINWATER HARVESTING AND RECHARGE IN PREMISES OF UNITS
All units granted permission shall undertake rainwater harvesting in their
premises and may either store the harvested water for their use or use it for
artificial recharge in accordance with the approval/consent of the competent
authority and/or the local body.

7.7 RAINWATER HARVESTING AND RECHARGE BY MINING PROJECTS AND

CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
All mining projects granted permission shall undertake rainwater harvesting
in their premises and artificial recharge of the harvested water as per consent or
clearance of the competent authority and the byelaws of the local body. The water
abstracted during dewatering due to mining operations and construction of
foundations, basements etc. in construction projects shall be gainfully utilised after
appropriate treatment for dust suppression, recharge to ground water aquifer,
irrigation and/or drinking and domestic use in the project site or nearby areas.

7.8 APPROVED BUILDING PLAN

All units applying for permission shall submit a certified copy of approved
building plan showing approved location and structures of the existing or proposed
tube well(s). New units that do not have an approved building plan while applying
for Ground Water Extraction Permission may submit the draft building plans
showing the proposed location of the tube well(s) with an undertaking that the
approved plans shall be submitted within 15 days of being approved by the
competent authority, and that the tube well(s) shall be located and constructed as
per such approval.

7.9 SEALING OF ABANDONED/DEFUNCT STRUCTURES

All units shall ensure proper sealing with cement grouting of the abandoned
or defunct tube wells, dug wells or recharge structures within seven days of its
abandonment or becoming defunct. The Unit shall submit a report to this effect to
the Authority within a further period of seven days of sealing.

P a g e 29 | 50
 CHAPTER 8
WATER AUDIT
8.1 All units will be incentivized to achieve Industry standards of water productivity and
efficiency in due course of time.
8.2 All units that have been granted permission to draw more than 100 m 3/day of
ground water shall be required to undertake annual Water Audit through auditors
to be empanelled by the Authority. The first Water Audit Report will be required to
be submitted within six months of completion of one year from the date of grant of
permission. Each subsequent Report shall be due similarly within a period of six
months of the completion of the year to which it pertains.
8.3 The guiding principles for Water Audit, the process involved in preparing the Water
Audit Report and the required contents of the Report are as follows:
a. Guiding Principles.
Water audit is a systematic process of objectively obtaining a water balance
by measuring flow of water from the site of water withdrawal or treatment,
through the distribution system, and into areas where it is used and finally
discharged. Conducting a water audit involves calculating water balance,
water use and identifying ways for saving water.
A detailed description of the current and the achievable water balance is an
important deliverable of the Water Audit Report. This includes assessing the
water quantity and quality requirement at various user areas which are
mapped to assist in developing ‘recycle’ and ‘reuse’ opportunities.
b. Process.
The water audit process involves a preliminary water survey followed by a
detailed water audit. A preliminary water survey is conducted to collect
background information regarding the Unit’s activities, water consumption,
treatment and water discharge pattern and water billing rates. After the
analysis of the secondary data collected from the industry or sector, a
detailed water audit of the Unit is conducted, which involves the following
steps:
• On-site briefing and discussion with facility manager and personnel;

P a g e 30 | 50
 • Water system analysis;
• Quantification of baseline water map;
• Monitoring and measurements using pressure and flow meters and
other devices;
• Quantification of inefficiencies and leaks;
• Quantification of water quality loads and discharges;
• Quantification of variability in flows and quality parameters;
• Strategies for improving water use productivity, economising water
use, improving water treatment and reuse;
c. Contents of Water Audit Report.
• Water consumption and wastewater generation pattern
• Specific water uses and conservation
• Complete water balance of the facility
• Water saving opportunities
• Comparison of the technology and practices of the Unit with best
technology and practices for water use of the industry and
recommendations, both short term and long term, for achieving the
best standards.
• Methods, costs, benefits and timelines for implementing the
recommendations
• Investments in new machinery, equipment or technologies required to
achieve recommended industry standards of water efficiency and
productivity.
• Full description, data, tables and figures
8.4 The Water Auditor shall obtain the consent or comments of the Water User as
regards the contents of the Report and in particular as regards the
recommendations contained in the Report and their implementation by the Unit.

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 ANNEXURE 1

OBJECTIONS REGARDING THE PUNJAB GUIDELINES ON GROUNDWATER EXTRACTION

AND CONSERVATION, 2020.
Name: _______________________

Mobile telephone number: ________________________

Email address (if available): ________________________

Postal address: _________________________

_________________________

To,

Secretary, Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority

SCO 149-152, Sector 17 C, Chandigarh 160017.

Email: [email protected]

Objections regarding the following Paragraphs of the Punjab Guidelines on Groundwater

Extraction and Conservation, 2020. ______________________.

(Please specify the para numbers)

Sir,

I have deposited a Fee of Rs. 500/-, vide receipt No. ______ Dated __/__/__

Please consider my Objections on the Draft Guidelines, which are enclosed.

SIGNATURE

DATE: NAME

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 ANNEXURE 2

GROUND WATER RESOURCE ASSESSMENT

The latest assessment of Ground Water Resources of Punjab is available as of
31.3.2017. This Ground water resource assessment was done jointly by the Central
Ground Water Board, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Govt of India and Water Resources
Department, Govt of Punjab and a joint report of the assessment was issued as the
Ground Water Resources of Punjab State, as on 31st March 2017, by Central Ground
Water Board, North Western Region, Chandigarh and the Water Resources Department,
Government of Punjab in October 2018. The categories in this ‘2017 Assessment Report’
have been considered while fixing Groundwater Charges under these Draft Guidelines

As per this report, the categorisation of assessment units is defined by the Stage
of Ground Water Extraction as given below:
Table 10: Stage of Ground Water Extraction
Stage of Ground Water Extraction Category

≤70% Safe
>70%and ≤90% Semi-Critical
>90%and ≤100% Critical
> 100% Over Exploited Over-Exploited

The Stage of ground water extraction and categorisation of blocks is based only on
the Dynamic Ground Water Resources. In other words, this assessment leaves out the
Static Ground Water Resource as well as resources of the deeper aquifers.
The abstract of Dynamic Ground Water Assessment for the year 2017 for Punjab is as
follows, in Hectare Metres (Ha-M) and in Million Acre Feet (MAF).

Table 11: Dynamic Water Resources of Punjab 2017

Net Annual Ground Water Availability 21,55,496 Ha-M 17.46 MAF
Existing GW Draft for Irrigation 34,56,464 Ha-M 28.00 MAF
Existing GW Draft for Domestic and Industrial Use 1,21,772 Ha-M 0.99 MAF
Existing GW Draft for All Uses 35,78,236 Ha-M 28.99 MAF
Net GW Availability for Future Irrigation
Development in Safe, Semi-critical, critical and 117,000 Ha-M 0.948 MAF
Potential Resources in water logged areas
Average Stage of Groundwater Extraction of State 166%

P a g e 33 | 50
The number of blocks in Punjab falling in various categories in the year 2017 is as follows:
Table 12: Number of Blocks in Various Categories
Total Blocks 138
Over-Exploited Blocks 109
Critical Blocks 02
Semi-Critical Blocks 05
Safe Blocks 02

The stage of ground water extraction in Punjab varies from 24% in Dhar Kalan
block, Pathankot to 368% in Patran Block, Patiala. In the overexploited category, out of a
total of 109 blocks, 65 fall in the range of 103% to 199% whereas 44 fall in the range of
200% to368%.

For the proposes of these Guidelines, whereas the categorisation of the blocks has
been considered the same as per the 2017 Assessment Report referred to above, the
nomenclature of the category of the blocks has been modified for better management
and conservation of groundwater resources as follows:

The 44 blocks that have a stage of ground water extraction exceeding 200% have
been designated as "ORANGE" because of the higher extent of over-exploitation. These
blocks would need most immediate and urgent attention for management and
conservation of ground water in a fast track mode.

Blocks having stage of ground water extraction between 100 and 199% have been
designated as "YELLOW" due to over-exploitation of ground water and need appropriate
management and water conservation measures on an urgent basis.

Blocks that have ground water extraction levels below 100% (three categories,
Critical, Semi-critical and Safe, clubbed together) have been designated as “GREEN" and
need appropriate water management measures so that ground water conditions remain
sustainable in the long run.

Consequently, the number of assessment areas (Blocks) in each category is as

follows.

Table 13: Number of Assessment Areas by Status

Stage of Groundwater Development Status Number of Assessment Areas

0-99% Green 29
100-199% Yellow 65
200% and above Orange 44

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Accordingly, the Designated Status of Assessment Areas (Blocks) based on the
categorisation contained in the 2017 Assessment Report titled “Ground Water Resources of
Punjab State, as on 31st March 2017, Central Ground Water Board, North Western Region,
Chandigarh and Water Resources Department, Government of Punjab, October 2018” is
as follows.

Table 14: Category and Corresponding Status of Assessment Areas

BLOCK WISE GROUND WATER RESOURCES CATEGORY AND STATUS

Sl. District Block Stage of Category (2017
No Ground Assessment
Water Report) Status
Extraction
(%)

1 2 3 4 5 6
1 AMRITSAR AJNALA 178 Over-Exploited Yellow
2 AMRITSAR CHOGAWAN 133 Over-Exploited Yellow
3 AMRITSAR HARSHA CHINA 124 Over-Exploited Yellow
4 AMRITSAR JANDIALA 196 Over-Exploited Yellow
5 AMRITSAR MAJITHA 120 Over-Exploited Yellow
6 AMRITSAR RAYYA 168 Over-Exploited Yellow

7 AMRITSAR TARSIKA 174 Over-Exploited Yellow

8 AMRITSAR VERKA 123 Over-Exploited Yellow
9 BARNALA BARNALA 255 Over-Exploited Orange
10 BARNALA MAHAL KALAN 177 Over-Exploited Yellow
11 BARNALA SEHNA 185 Over-Exploited Yellow

12 BATHINDA BATHINDA 103 Over-Exploited Yellow

13 BATHINDA MAUR 127 Over-Exploited Yellow
14 BATHINDA NATHANA 73 Semi-Critical Green
15 BATHINDA PHUL 184 Over-Exploited Yellow

16 BATHINDA RAMPURA 69 Safe Green

17 BATHINDA SANGAT 67 Safe Green

P a g e 35 | 50
18 BATHINDA TALWANDI SABO 65 Safe Green

19 FARIDKOT FARIDKOT 169 Over-Exploited Yellow

20 FARIDKOT KOTKAPURA 165 Over-Exploited Yellow
21 FATEHGARH SAHIB AMLOH 206 Over-Exploited Orange
22 FATEHGARH SAHIB BASSI PATHANA 207 Over-Exploited Orange
23 FATEHGARH SAHIB KHAMANON 199 Over-Exploited Yellow

24 FATEHGARH SAHIB KHERA 210 Over-Exploited Orange

25 FATEHGARH SAHIB SIRHIND 213 Over-Exploited Orange
26 FAZILKA ABOHAR 38 Safe Green
27 FAZILKA FAZILKA 155 Safe Green
28 FAZILKA JALALABAD 150 Over-Exploited Yellow

29 FAZILKA KHUYIAN SARWAR 56 Safe Green

30 FEROZEPUR FEROZEPUR 132 Over-Exploited Yellow
31 FEROZEPUR GHALL KHURD 198 Over-Exploited Yellow
32 FEROZEPUR GURU HAR SAHAI 117 Over-Exploited Yellow
33 FEROZEPUR MAKHU 149 Over-Exploited Yellow

34 FEROZEPUR MAMDOT 154 Over-Exploited Yellow

35 FEROZEPUR ZIRA 259 Over-Exploited Orange

36 GURDASPUR BATALA 171 Over-Exploited Yellow

37 GURDASPUR DERA BABA NANAK 151 Over-Exploited Yellow
38 GURDASPUR DHARIWAL 130 Over-Exploited Yellow
39 GURDASPUR DINA NAGAR 101 Safe Green
40 GURDASPUR FATEHGARH CHURIAN 144 Over-Exploited Yellow

41 GURDASPUR GURDASPUR 93 Critical Green

42 GURDASPUR KAHNUWAN 137 Over-Exploited Yellow

43 GURDASPUR KALANAUR 141 Over-Exploited Yellow

44 GURDASPUR QADIAN 143 Over-Exploited Yellow
45 GURDASPUR SRI HARGOBINDPUR 129 Over-Exploited Yellow
46 HOSHIARPUR BHUNGA 70 Safe Green

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47 HOSHIARPUR DASUYA 123 Over-Exploited Yellow

48 HOSHIARPUR GARH SHANKAR 131 Over-Exploited Yellow

49 HOSHIARPUR HAZIPUR 69 Safe Green
50 HOSHIARPUR HOSHIARPUR-1 147 Over-Exploited Yellow
51 HOSHIARPUR HOSHIARPUR-II 68 Safe Green
52 HOSHIARPUR MAHILPUR 70 Safe Green

53 HOSHIARPUR MUKERIAN 86 Semi-Critical Green

54 HOSHIARPUR TALWARA 81 Semi-Critical Green
55 HOSHIARPUR TANDA 183 Over-Exploited Yellow
56 JALANDHAR ADAMPUR 190 Over-Exploited Yellow
57 JALANDHAR BHOGPUR 279 Over-Exploited Orange

58 JALANDHAR JALANDHAR-EAST 316 Over-Exploited Orange

59 JALANDHAR JALANDHAR-WEST 213 Over-Exploited Orange
60 JALANDHAR LOHIAN 266 Over-Exploited Orange
61 JALANDHAR NAKODAR 277 Over-Exploited Orange
62 JALANDHAR NUR MAHAL 218 Over-Exploited Orange

63 JALANDHAR PHILLAUR 206 Over-Exploited Orange

64 JALANDHAR RURKA KALAN 211 Over-Exploited Orange

65 JALANDHAR SHAHKOT 266 Over-Exploited Orange

66 KAPURTHALA DHILWAN 217 Over-Exploited Orange
67 KAPURTHALA KAPURTHALA 201 Over-Exploited Orange
68 KAPURTHALA NADALA 198 Over-Exploited Yellow
69 KAPURTHALA PHAGWARA 281 Over-Exploited Orange

70 KAPURTHALA SULTANPUR LODHI 223 Over-Exploited Orange

71 LUDHIANA DEHLON 208 Over-Exploited Orange

72 LUDHIANA DORAHA 121 Over-Exploited Yellow

73 LUDHIANA JAGRAON 156 Over-Exploited Yellow
74 LUDHIANA KHANNA 251 Over-Exploited Orange
75 LUDHIANA LUDHIANA 275 Over-Exploited Orange

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76 LUDHIANA MACHHIWARA 119 Over-Exploited Yellow

77 LUDHIANA MANGAT 174 Over-Exploited Yellow

78 LUDHIANA PAKHOWAL 210 Over-Exploited Orange
79 LUDHIANA RAIKOT 256 Over-Exploited Orange
80 LUDHIANA SAMRALA 225 Over-Exploited Orange
81 LUDHIANA SIDHWAN BET 185 Over-Exploited Yellow

82 LUDHIANA SUDHAR 163 Over-Exploited Yellow

83 MANSA BHIKHI 125 Over-Exploited Yellow
84 MANSA BUDHLADA 188 Over-Exploited Yellow
85 MANSA JHUNIR 99 Critical Green
86 MANSA MANSA 123 Over-Exploited Yellow

87 MANSA SARDULGARH 193 Over-Exploited Yellow

88 MOGA BAGHA PURANA 178 Over-Exploited Yellow
89 MOGA DHARAMKOT (KOT ISE KHAN) 211 Over-Exploited Orange
90 MOGA MOGA I 283 Over-Exploited Orange
91 MOGA MOGA II 286 Over-Exploited Orange

92 MOGA NIHAL SINGH WALA 277 Over-Exploited Orange

93 MOHALI DERABASSI 147 Over-Exploited Yellow

94 MOHALI KHARAR 119 Over-Exploited Yellow

95 MOHALI SIALBA MAJRI 58 Safe Green
96 MUKTSAR GIDDERBAHA (KOT BHAI) 105 Safe Green
97 MUKTSAR LAMBI 45 Safe Green
98 MUKTSAR MALOUT 64 Safe Green

99 MUKTSAR MUKTSAR 85 Safe Green

100 NAWANSHAHAR AUR 177 Over-Exploited Yellow

101 NAWANSHAHAR BALACHAUR 63 Safe Green

102 NAWANSHAHAR BANGA 150 Over-Exploited Yellow
103 NAWANSHAHAR NAWANSHAHR 108 Over-Exploited Yellow
104 NAWANSHAHAR SAROYA 66 Safe Green

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105 PATHANKOT BAMYAL 105 Safe Green

106 PATHANKOT DHAR KALAN 24 Safe Green

107 PATHANKOT NAROT JAIMAL SINGH 34 Safe Green
108 PATHANKOT PATHANKOT 81 Semi-Critical Green
109 PATIALA BHUNERHERI 231 Over-Exploited Orange
110 PATIALA GHANAUR 160 Over-Exploited Yellow

111 PATIALA NABHA 160 Over-Exploited Yellow

112 PATIALA PATIALA 228 Over-Exploited Orange
113 PATIALA PATRAN 368 Over-Exploited Orange
114 PATIALA RAJPURA 211 Over-Exploited Orange
115 PATIALA SAMANA 248 Over-Exploited Orange

116 PATIALA SANAUR 250 Over-Exploited Orange

117 ROPAR ANANDPUR SAHIB 80 Semi-Critical Green
118 ROPAR CHAMKAUR SAHIB 212 Over-Exploited Orange
119 ROPAR MORINDA 178 Over-Exploited Yellow
120 ROPAR NURPUR BEDI 109 Over-Exploited Yellow

121 ROPAR ROPAR 47 Safe Green

122 SANGRUR AHMEDGARH 275 Over-Exploited Orange

123 SANGRUR ANDANA 271 Over-Exploited Orange

124 SANGRUR BHAWANIGARH 251 Over-Exploited Orange
125 SANGRUR DHURI 320 Over-Exploited Orange
126 SANGRUR LEHRA GAGA 222 Over-Exploited Orange
127 SANGRUR MALER KOTLA 198 Over-Exploited Yellow

128 SANGRUR SANGRUR 285 Over-Exploited Orange

129 SANGRUR SHERPUR 254 Over-Exploited Orange

130 SANGRUR SUNAM 299 Over-Exploited Orange

131 TARN TARAN BHIKHIWIND 139 Over-Exploited Yellow
132 TARN TARAN CHOLA SAHIB 141 Over-Exploited Yellow
133 TARN TARAN GANDIWIND 134 Over-Exploited Yellow

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 134 TARN TARAN KHADUR SAHIB 164 Over-Exploited Yellow

135 TARN TARAN NAUSHEHRA PANUAN 177 Over-Exploited Yellow

136 TARN TARAN PATTI 177 Over-Exploited Yellow
137 TARN TARAN TARN TARAN 147 Over-Exploited Yellow
138 TARN TARAN VALTOHA 163 Over-Exploited Yellow

Note: A Map of Punjab showing the 138 Assessment Units (Blocks) with their Designated
Groundwater Status (Green, Yellow or Orange) based on the Government’s Assessment
Report of 2017 is displayed on the following page.

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P a g e 41 | 50
 ANNEXURE 3
GROUNDWATER CHARGES
The following excerpts of these Draft Guidelines relate to ‘Charges for Extraction of
Groundwater’ that require the approval of the Government under Section 17(5) of the Act.

From CHAPTER 1: BACKGROUND AND DEFINITIONS

1.6 GROUNDWATER CHARGES

These Draft Guidelines pertain to usage of groundwater for purposes other

than agriculture, drinking and domestic use. In other words, these Draft Guidelines
cover the commercial and industrial use of groundwater, including institutions,
construction and infrastructure projects.
No person shall be permitted to extract groundwater for commercial or
industrial use without obtaining permission from the Authority. Permission will be
granted subject to payment of Groundwater Charges and fulfilling of specified
conditions.
These Draft Guidelines contain the Charges to be levied on a volumetric
basis for the extraction of groundwater for commercial and industrial use
(hereafter Groundwater Charges). The Government’s approval has been sought for
such volumetric Groundwater Charges in terms of Section 17(5) of the Act.
Whereas, comments have been sought on these Draft Guidelines in their entirety
including the Groundwater Charges contained herein; it is clarified that these
Groundwater Charges shall be levied only in accordance with the approval of
Government under section 17(5) of the Act.

1.8 COVID EPIDEMIC

The Covid 19 epidemic has caused considerable hardship to the economy of

the state, hence, it is considered appropriate that all Groundwater Charges in these
Guidelines be reduced by 20% till March 31st, 2021.

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1.9 DEFINITIONS

The words and phrases used in these Guidelines that have been defined in
the Act or in the Regulations of the Authority shall have the same meaning as
defined therein. In addition:

c) ‘Groundwater Charges’ shall mean all such charges as are fixed or charged by
the Authority with the approval of the Government under Section 17(5) of the
Act that relate to any activity connected with the extraction of groundwater or
incidental thereto. Such charges, known by any nomenclature, shall include but
shall not be limited to the following:
i. Groundwater Extraction Charges for permitted extraction of
Groundwater;
ii. Groundwater Conveyance Charges for the conveyance or transportation
of groundwater from its source to any place for storage, consumption or
usage through any means including channels, aqueducts, pipelines or
vehicles (tankers);
iii. Groundwater Exploration or Sourcing Charges for any activities related
to the development of new sources of groundwater, or the
augmentation and renovation thereof,
iv. Groundwater Compensation Charges for extraction or conveyance of
Groundwater without valid permission or in excess of permitted
quantity;
v. Various fees including Registration fees, Application fees etc. for any
purpose related to groundwater extraction, or conveyance including any
permission, intimation, return or registration;
vi. Non-Compliance Charges for violations and defaults etc.; and
vii. Conservation Credits for specified water conservation activities
undertaken by Water Users in relation to groundwater extraction.

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From CHAPTER 3: CHARGES FOR GROUNDWATER EXTRACTION

3.2 SCHEDULE OF CHARGES

Each Water User shall be permitted to extract groundwater upon payment

of the following charges and upon fulfilment of conditions imposed in the
permission granted by the Authority, including commitments and liabilities to
conserve groundwater.
Table 1: Groundwater Extraction Charges (Gross)

Category of Area* Quantity Used

S.no <10 m3/day 10-100 m3/day >100 m3/day
Charges in Rupees/ m3
1 Orange 8 18 22
2 Yellow 6 14 18
3 Green 4 10 14
* Details are in Annexure 2 and apply to the entire document.

Explanation: Slab Rates for Groundwater extraction.

Groundwater charges shall be volumetric and shall be based on actual
consumption. The initial quantity (up to 10 cubic metres per day) shall be charged
at the lowest applicable rate in the Schedule of Charges above and additional
quantities extracted during the billing period (month) shall be charged at the
higher rates given in the said Schedule.
The water conservation target as a percentage of the groundwater
consumed by each unit shall be as follows:
Table 2 : Water Conservation Targets
Area Quantity of Groundwater Consumed
<10 m3/day 10-100 m3/day >100 m3/day
Orange 200% 300% 400%
Yellow 150% 200% 300%
Green 100% 150% 200%

Accordingly, the Credit for water conservation shall be allowed at a rate of

Rs 2.00 per cubic metre of water saved by the unit, subject to the upper limit of
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 the target specified in the Table above. In case the quantity of water actually saved
can only be measured at the end of the season or the year, the Unit shall be
provided the credit only after the measurement or assessment of the quantity of
water conserved has been completed.
The table below shows the water conservation credits that shall be available
to a Unit in a particular zone if it achieves the target for water conservation in that
zone:
Table 3: Water Conservation Credits

Category of Area* Quantity Used

S.no <10 m3/day 10-100 m3/day >100 m3/day
Credits in Rupees/ m3
1 Orange 4 6 8
2 Yellow 3 4 6
3 Green 2 3 4

Accordingly, if a Unit in a Green Block which consumes less than 10 cubic

metres per day achieves its targets of water conservation (100%) then it shall
receive the credit of Rs. 2.00 for every cubic metre of water consumed. Therefore,
its net groundwater charge shall be 4-2=2.
Similarly, if a Unit in an Orange Block which consumes more than 100 cubic
metres per day achieves its water conservation target (400%) then for the quantity
of water above 100cum/day the net charge shall be 22-8=14.
Water conservation measures implemented off-site by Units shall be
inspected and assessed by the Public Agency designated by the Authority or the
Government.
3.8 CHARGES FOR GROUND WATER CONVEYANCE THROUGH WATER TANKERS

The following Groundwater Conveyance Charges shall be paid by a water

tanker conveying, supplying or delivering groundwater for any purpose. These
charges shall be irrespective of the groundwater charges, if any, payable by the
owner or operator of the water extraction structure. However, no groundwater
conveyance charge shall be paid by a water tanker for supply of drinking water in
pockets with brackish or saline groundwater at all depths.

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 Table 5: Ground Water Conveyance Charges
S.no Area Charges in Rs./cum
1 Orange Area 22
2 Yellow Area 18
3 Green Area 14
The rates shall apply as per the location of the abstraction structure

Explanation: The groundwater conveyance charges shall be paid by the owner or

operator of the registered water tanker vehicle in advance every month. The
monthly advance charges shall be paid on a self-assessed basis by the 10th day of
the month. The monthly advance payment shall be matched with the actual
conveyance by the water tanker recorded by GPS coordinate data, based on the
assumption that the water tanker carries its full capacity for each trip. The balance
amount calculated as per the actual conveyance shall be paid or credited, as the
case may be, with the next monthly payment, or within 60 days, whichever is
earlier.
3.10 EXTRACTION OF SALINE GROUND WATER

Abstraction of brackish/saline ground water in a pocket with brackish/saline

ground water at all depths may be permitted at 25% of the applicable groundwater
extraction charges. The unit shall submit a hydrogeological report detailing the
contours of the brackish/saline aquifer and its potential, and an assessment of the
risk of mixing of good quality water due to extraction of brackish/saline water. The
Unit shall also submit a copy of its environmental clearance as may be applicable.
The boundaries of such pockets in each assessment unit which have
brackish/saline ground water at all depths shall be identified as per the latest
assessment of dynamic ground water resources finalised by the Government.
In case the Unit does not require environmental clearance, the Authority
may impose conditions in respect of disposal, treatment and reuse of waste water
and effluents so as to protect water resources including water bodies, water
channels, surface water and groundwater.

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From CHAPTER 4: APPLICATION FEES

4.1 FEES FOR VARIOUS APPLICATIONS:

Fees are required to be paid along with the application as mentioned below:
Table 6: Fees for Various Applications
S Nature of Application Groundwater Extraction Volume
No.
<10 m3/day 10-100 100-1000 > 1000
m3/day m3/day m3/day
Fees in Rs.
1 Fresh Permission & Renewal 2,000 5,000 20,000 1,00,000
2 Change in User ID 1,000 2,000 5,000 10,000
3 Change in Name 1,000 2,000 5,000 10,000
4 Extension of Permission 1,000 2,000 5,000 10,000
5 Duplicate Permission 1,000 2,000 5,000 10,000
6 Corrigendum to Permission 1,000 2,000 5,000 10,000
7 Alteration or Correction 1,000 2,000 5,000 10,000
8 Cancellation or Amalgamation 1,000 2,000 5,000 10,000
of Permission
9 Registration of Drilling Rig 25,000
10 Registration of Water Tanker 10,000
11 Registration of Extraction 1,000 2,000 10,000 25,000
Structure or Tube Well
12 Comments and Objections, 500
pertaining to the draft
Guidelines

Explanation: A Drilling Rig or Water Tanker may apply for any of the services listed
at serial numbers 2 to 8 in the Table above with reference to the Rig or Tanker and
shall pay the fees specified for a volume of groundwater extracted between 10 to
100 cubic metres per day for each such Rig or Tanker.

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From CHAPTER 6: GROUNDWATER COMPENSATION AND OTHER CHARGES FOR
NON-COMPLIANCE

6.1 GROUNDWATER COMPENSATION CHARGES

Any Water User who is required to obtain Ground Water Extraction

Permission as per directions or orders of the Authority under the provisions of the
Act and extracts ground water without valid permission shall be liable to pay
enhanced Groundwater charges to be known as Groundwater Compensation
Charges (GCC)for the quantum of ground water so extracted. The Groundwater
Compensation Charges levied for such unauthorised extraction of groundwater
shall be calculated as per the following equation:

GCC = Ground water extraction per day x Groundwater Compensation Rate (GCR)
x No. of days that Unit operates without valid permission of the Authority;
where ground water extraction is in m3/day and GCR is in Rs./ m3
Groundwater Compensation Rates for Unauthorized extraction, in Rupees per
cubic metre are as follows.

Table 7: Groundwater Compensation Rates

S No Category of area < 10 m3/day 10 -100 m3/day > 100 m3/day

1 Orange 16 36 44
2 Yellow 12 28 36
3 Green 8 20 28

6.3 NON-COMPLIANCE CHARGES

Non-compliance charges for certain violations and defaults described below

are as follows:

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 Table 8: Non-compliance charges

Charges in Rs.
S.
Items Units using Units using
No.
<100 m /day >100 m3/day
3

Non-installation of appropriate Water Meter, or Not

1 200,000
faulty Water Meter applicable
Non-disclosure or unauthorised construction of 50,000 200,000
groundwater abstraction or injection structures 25,000 100,000
2
7.1 Each functional Structure
7.2 Each Defunct/Abandoned Structure
Non-Construction or Inadequate capacity of
3 Recharge / Water conservation 100,000 500,000
structures/measures
Non-maintenance of Recharge structures/ Water
4 20,000 100,000
conservation structures/measures
Unauthorised Injection of water into the ground.
Note: Water user shall be separately responsible
5 500,000 2,000,000
for aquifer remediation as required by the
competent authority
Non-maintenance of log book or non-submission
of groundwater abstraction data in time. Other
6 10,000 50,000
violations pertaining to documentation and
reporting.
7 Non-Submission of Water Audit Report in time 25,000 100,000
Construction or excavation of groundwater
8 abstraction structure by unauthorized or 50,000 200,000
unregistered Drilling Rig (per structure).
9 Non-registration of each water supply tanker 50,000
10 Non-registration of each well drilling rig 200,000
11 Rig registered but without working GPS 10,000
Water tanker registered but without working
12 5,000
GPS
Submission of false information or undertaking
13 25,000 100,000
or failure to comply with undertaking in time

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 Non-payment of any Charges, Fees, Levy 1.5% of the 1.5% of the
Environmental Charges or Compensation etc. on overdue overdue
14
the due date; for every month, or part thereof, amount amount
of delay (to be compounded annually).

Explanation 1: In case an act or omission by a Water User amounts to violation of

more than one of the conditions of permission or directions of the Authority then
each of the Non-compliance charges applicable shall be levied and the Water User
shall be liable to pay the total amounts of all such charges.
Explanation 2: These charges are without prejudice to any civil or criminal
proceedings that the Authority may initiate in accordance with the provisions of
the Act and the Regulations framed thereunder.
Explanation 3: In case the Water User consumes any groundwater that is not
metered or is improperly or incorrectly measured during any period of time due to
an act or omission on the part of the User, then such consumption shall be treated
as unauthorised and the User shall pay groundwater compensation charges for the
assessed quantity of such unauthorised extraction of groundwater. This shall be in
addition to, and without prejudice to any non-compliance charges levied or
payable.
Note: The Authority may from time to time amend the table of Non-compliance
charges to reflect any changes in its directions, conditions of permission, or
otherwise. The rates of non-compliance charges may also be revised from time to
time.

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