Ranchi: Cracking down on unauthorised boring operations across the state capital, the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) has made it mandatory for residents to obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) for carrying out four-inch boring operations. The civic body has also ordered a crackdown on unsanctioned six-inch boring operations across the city.
The move, officials said, is aimed at conserving depleting groundwater levels and curbing uncontrolled extraction in Ranchi.
Chairing a high-level review meeting with water supply officials and rig operators on Friday evening, additional municipal commissioner (AMC) Sanjay Kumar directed enforcement teams to initiate strict legal action against anyone conducting six-inch boring operations without valid permission.
Notably, boring of six-inch diameters are usually carried out in residential complexes and shopping malls, which require a higher volume of water. Likewise, standalone residential buildings opt for four-inch borewells.
The standardisation comes amidst revelations that an overwhelming majority of boring rigs in the city are operating outside the legal ambit. Civic officials disclosed during the meeting that only 207 rig machines currently hold valid registrations with the corporation. To tackle the menace of clandestine drilling, the RMC will carry out surveillance during the night. “Our night enforcement teams will maintain special vigil across the city to identify illegal drilling activities on the ground and penalise violators on the spot,” Kumar said.
The civic body is also targeting the commercial ecosystem supporting these illegal operations. The AMC ordered the immediate removal of all promotional materials, including posters and advertisements, plugging unauthorised boring services. Individuals or institutions found advertising such illegal services will face hefty fines and institutional action.
Expressing deep concern over the shrinking water table, Kumar urged citizens to adopt water-rational alternative habits. He appealed to residents to avoid wasteful extraction and universally implement rainwater harvesting systems to recharge aquifers.
“Water conservation cannot remain the sole responsibility of the administration; it requires active public participation to succeed. Keeping our future requirements in mind, every citizen must become conscious of their water footprint,” Kumar said.
RMC additional municipal commissioner Sanjay Kumar during the meeting on Friday.
