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The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) is a statutory body constituted under Section 3(3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, with a mandate to regulate and manage the development and use of groundwater resources across India. It functions under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation.
In the face of rapidly depleting groundwater levels, CGWA plays a vital role in ensuring sustainable and controlled groundwater extraction—particularly in critical, over-exploited, and semi-critical zones.
If your business, industry, or infrastructure project relies on groundwater extraction, it is mandatory to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from CGWA or the respective State Ground Water Authority, wherever applicable.
Purpose of CGWA Compliance
The purpose of CGWA compliance is to:
- Regulate groundwater abstraction across India.
- Prevent over-exploitation and contamination of groundwater.
- Promote rainwater harvesting (RWH) and artificial recharge.
- Ensure industries follow sustainable water management practices.
- Enable equitable distribution of groundwater among users.
Who Needs CGWA NOC?
As per the latest CGWA guidelines (2020 and amended in 2022), all commercial and industrial units extracting groundwater are required to obtain an NOC. This includes:
- Manufacturing & Processing Industries (e.g., textiles, pharmaceuticals, food & beverages)
- Infrastructure Projects (SEZs, industrial parks, malls, etc.)
- Construction and Real Estate Developers
- Healthcare Institutions (hospitals, diagnostic centers)
- Hospitality Sector (hotels, resorts, banquet halls)
- Packaged Drinking Water and Bottling Plants
- Mining, Dewatering, and Infrastructure Excavation Projects
Note: Domestic water use and agricultural users are exempt under certain conditions.
CGWA NOC Application Process
We streamline the end-to-end process of obtaining CGWA NOC for our clients. Here is a breakdown of the typical application procedure:
Step 1: Online Registration
Register your unit on the CGWA NOCAP (No Objection Certificate Application Portal):
đź”— https://nocapplication.cgwa-noc.gov.in
Step 2: Document Compilation
Prepare the following mandatory documents:
- Detailed Project Report (DPR) or Feasibility Report
- Ownership or lease documents
- Water balance and source report
- Hydro geological report
- Rainwater Harvesting System (existing or proposed)
- NABL-certified groundwater quality test report
- Consent to Establish (CTE) or Consent to Operate (CTO) from the State Pollution Control Board
- Compliance declaration for wastewater treatment (ETP/STP) if applicable
Step 3: Application Filing
- Submit the application with all supporting documents and applicable fees.
- Select area type (safe/semi-critical/critical) as per CGWA classification.
Step 4: Grant of NOC
- Once approved, you will receive a digitally signed NOC valid for up to 3 years, depending on the project category.
- NOC must be renewed before expiration to continue groundwater usage.
Rainwater Harvesting System – A Critical Requirement
Installation of a Rainwater Harvesting System (RWH) is a mandatory condition under CGWA regulations. The applicant must:
- Submit a proposed RWH system design at the time of application.
- Install the RWH structure as per approval.
- Submit a completion report or self-certification before the final issuance of the NOC.
RWH structures include:
- Recharge pits and trenches
- Percolation tanks
- Roof-top harvesting systems
- Recharge wells
Post-Approval Compliance & Renewal
Once the NOC is granted, ongoing compliance is critical. This includes:
- Annual submission of water usage data
- Groundwater level monitoring (if required)
- Rainwater harvesting structure maintenance
- Timely renewal before NOC expiry
- Submission of compliance audit reports
Non-compliance can lead to:
- NOC cancellation
- Penalties or fines
- Legal action under the Environment Protection Act
Penalty for Unauthorized Groundwater Extraction
Operating a facility without a valid CGWA NOC or violating conditions can lead to:
- Environmental Compensation Charges (as per NGT orders)
- Closure of operations
- Legal penalties and prosecution
It is strongly advised to regularize existing groundwater usage immediately to avoid punitive action.
Our services include:
- CGWA NOC Application Preparation & Submission
- Post-Approval Compliance Management
- Renewal & Amendment of Existing NOC
We ensure transparent communication with authorities and complete technical support to minimize delays or rejections.
NOTE: For official website, you can visit at: https://cgwa-noc.gov.in/Â