The National Green Tribunal's Bhopal bench on Friday directed the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) to submit a comprehensive groundwater recharge plan, cracking down on gaps in groundwater regulation. The order came after the tribunal took note of concerns over how the Jal Shakti ministry's September 24, 2020, notification is being implemented.
Notification and Regulatory Framework
The notification empowers the CGWA to regulate groundwater extraction through No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and to impose environmental compensation for violations and illegal extraction. However, tribunal proceedings flagged gaps in how money collected through such penalties is being used.
Fund Utilization Concerns
In its report, the CGWA stated that while it is authorised to levy environmental compensation, water retention charges and penalties, the amounts collected are not directly used for groundwater recharge. Instead, the funds are routed by the Centre through the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) framework, and the authority does not retain direct control over their utilisation.
Regional Reporting Gaps
The tribunal was also informed that the CGWA has not provided detailed accounts of groundwater recharge measures undertaken in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. An applicant raised concerns over continued groundwater depletion, with recharge efforts remaining inadequate compared to the rate of extraction.
Petitioner's Arguments
The application argued that periodic monitoring of groundwater abstraction is essential and that recharge must be undertaken on a quantitative basis, ensuring replenishment exceeds withdrawal. It also stated that groundwater management cannot be reduced to a system where extraction is allowed upon payment of compensation.
Tribunal's Response
Counsel for the petitioner said, "Taking note of these submissions, the NGT issued notices to the concerned authorities and directed the CGWA to submit a comprehensive groundwater recharge plan." The tribunal's directive aims to address the regulatory gaps and ensure effective groundwater management.
