Kanpur Implements Strict Groundwater Regulations with Heavy Penalties
In a significant move to address water scarcity, Kanpur Nagar's District Groundwater Management Council has issued a stringent directive under the Uttar Pradesh Groundwater (Management and Regulation) Act, 2019. Chief Development Officer and Member-Secretary Deeksha Jain announced on Monday that the focus is on conservation, control, and sustainable management of groundwater, particularly in stressed rural and urban zones.
Mandatory Registration for All Groundwater Users
The council has made it compulsory for all industrial, commercial, infrastructural, RO plant, and collective groundwater users to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or registration. This includes a wide range of establishments such as hotels, lodges, residential colonies, resorts, private hospitals, nursing homes, business sectors, shopping malls, marriage homes, drinking water plants, slaughterhouses, and vehicle washing centers. Both existing and proposed users must comply.
Penalties for Non-Compliance: Under Section 39 of the Act, any person, group, or institution found extracting groundwater without proper registration or NOC faces severe consequences. The penalties include a fine ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, imprisonment from six months to one year, or both. This enforcement aims to deter unauthorized extraction and promote responsible water usage.
Online Application Process and Compliance Directions
Groundwater users in the specified categories are directed to apply for registration or NOC online through the official website "https://niveshmitra.up.nic.in." The council emphasizes that businesses and industries must operate in full compliance with the provisions of the Groundwater Act, 2019. This includes measures for groundwater conservation, augmentation, and sustainable management to ensure long-term water security in the region.
The initiative underscores Uttar Pradesh's commitment to tackling groundwater depletion through regulatory frameworks and public awareness. By mandating registration and imposing strict penalties, authorities hope to curb over-extraction and encourage sustainable practices among all stakeholders.
