HYDERABAD: Telangana is set to restrict groundwater extraction for purposes other than drinking water in areas where groundwater resources have been classified as critical, as the state steps up efforts to curb the depletion of its dwindling reserves.The GO is expected to be issued shortly, specifying the establishments and activities that will be prohibited or exempted from the restrictions.
Ban on borewells likelyThe proposed measures are also very likely to include a ban on drilling new borewells. The move comes amid growing concerns over unsustainable groundwater extraction, particularly in urban areas where borewell water is used for several non-essential purposes“The govt is likely to issue the order within a week. Violators will face fines ranging from 5,000 to 1 lakh if found illegally extracting groundwater. The move aims to conserve depleting groundwater reserves and curb non-essential consumption before the resource runs critically low,” said an official from the groundwater department.The govt plans to invoke Sections 9 and 10 of the Telangana Water, Land and Trees (WALTA) Act, 2002, to enforce the restrictions. Under Section 9, the designated officer, with the approval of the authority, can prohibit individuals, groups or private organisations from pumping groundwater in a particular area if extraction is likely to lower groundwater levels or damage natural resources or the environment.Prohibition for 6 monthsThe prohibition can remain in force for up to six months and may be extended for further periods of up to six months at a time following a review.The provision also allows new wells to be prohibited in designated areas. Section 10, meanwhile, regulates the sinking of wells within 250 metres of public drinking water sources in areas covered by the provision. Prior permission from the designated Authority is required, subject to specified exemptions.Even after permission is granted, the authority can subsequently restrict or regulate water extraction if necessary in the public interest.
