Ground Water NOC Permission from Central Ground Water Authority: Complete Guide for Industries and Projects

Groundwater is one of India’s most precious natural resources — essential for domestic, industrial, and commercial use. However, uncontrolled extraction has caused alarming depletion across key regions like Delhi NCR, Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad.
To regulate and ensure sustainable groundwater use, the Central Groundwater Authority (CGWA) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti mandates that every new or existing borewell must obtain a Groundwater NOC before abstraction.

If you are planning a project, factory, or commercial establishment, getting this approval is legally mandatory. Simplicomp Tech LLP — along with its expert associates, such as CGWA consultants in Delhi NCR, borewell approval consultants in Noida, and UPGWD NOC consultants in Ghaziabad — helps you navigate this process end-to-end.

💧 What is CGWA NOC?

A CGWA NOC (No Objection Certificate) is official permission to extract groundwater through borewells for:

  • Industrial or factory operations
  • Drinking and domestic use
  • Residential, commercial, or infrastructure projects

As per the CGWA Guidelines dated 24th September 2020, any abstraction without NOC is illegal and punishable under Section 15 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986.

That’s why developers, builders, and industries across Delhi NCR, Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad hire certified CGWA consultants to manage compliance efficiently.

🏗️ Who Needs Ground Water NOC?

The following entities must obtain CGWA permission before groundwater extraction:

  • Industrial units, factories, and manufacturing plants
  • Residential societies, group housing, and apartments
  • Commercial complexes, malls, hotels, and hospitals
  • Infrastructure projects — roads, bridges, and townships
  • IT parks, educational institutions, and SEZs
  • Mining and construction projects

In Noida and Greater Noida, CGWA permission services are required for both new and existing borewells.
For projects in Ghaziabad and western UP, approvals fall under the UPGWD (Uttar Pradesh Ground Water Department).

⚙️ Step-by-Step CGWA NOC Process

1. Application Submission

Submit your project details and groundwater data on the NOCAP portal (Centralized CGWA system).
Most industries use professional CGWA consultants in Delhi NCR or borewell approval consultants in Noida for accuracy.

2. Document Verification

Authorities verify mandatory documents like Pollution Control NOC, water test reports, and impact studies.

3. Site Assessment

CGWA or UPGWD experts may conduct a field verification to inspect your borewell, recharge structures, and abstraction setup.

4. Approval & Issuance

Based on compliance, a Ground Water NOC is issued — valid for 2–5 years depending on project type and location zone (Safe, Semi-Critical, Critical, or Over-Exploited).

📄 Documents Required for CGWA NOC

To ensure smooth approval, you’ll need:

  • Pollution NOC from the State Pollution Control Board (CTE/CTO or CCA)
  • Non-availability of a water supply certificate from the local authority
  • Groundwater Impact Assessment Report
  • NABL-accredited groundwater testing report
  • Borewell completion and geophysical report
  • Wetland NOC (if within 500m of wetland area)
  • Water audit reports (for industrial and commercial users)
  • Rainwater harvesting/recharge plan

💡 Tip: Always verify your zone classification — Over-Exploited, Critical, or Semi-Critical — before applying.
Professional CGWA permission services in Greater Noida can assist with the hydrogeological study and recharge design.

📆 Validity & Renewal

Project Type

Typical Validity

Renewal Frequency

Domestic/Infrastructure

5 years

Every 5 years

Industrial

3 years

Every 3 years

Over-Exploited Area

2 years

Every 2 years

📋 Note: Renewal applications must be filed 90 days before expiry.
Our team at Simplicomp handles CGWA NOC renewals, UPGWD NOC extensions, and compliance tracking.

🏢 State-Level Groundwater Authorities

1️⃣ Uttar Pradesh Ground Water Department (UPGWD)

Regulates borewells in cities like Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad under the UP Ground Water Act 2019.
Services include:

  • Borewell registration & approval
  • NOC for new and existing groundwater users
  • Water audit and recharge compliance

Hire a trusted UPGWD NOC consultant in Ghaziabad for faster approvals.

2️⃣ Haryana Water Resources Authority (HWRA)

For projects in Gurugram, Faridabad, and other NCR regions, HWRA issues NOCs for groundwater abstraction, ensuring sustainable use and compliance with recharge norms.

⚖️ Why Ground Water NOC is Critical

  • Ensures legal compliance under CGWA/State Acts
  • Prevents fines and penalties for illegal abstraction
  • Supports Environmental Clearance (EIA) documentation
  • Ensures water balance and sustainable aquifer use
  • Required for Pollution Control Board NOC, CTE, and CTO approval

🛠️ How Simplicomp Tech LLP Helps

As a national environmental compliance consultancy, Simplicomp Tech LLP provides:

End-to-end CGWA and UPGWD NOC support
✅ Preparation of Groundwater Impact Assessment & Hydrogeological Reports
Borewell registration and recharge plan design
Water audit reports & CGWA documentation
Renewal and post-approval compliance
✅ Coordination with CGWA consultants in Delhi NCR & borewell approval consultants in Noida

We specialize in guiding industries, infrastructure developers, and housing societies through every stage of regulatory compliance — from Pollution Control Board NOCs to Groundwater and EIA clearances.

💬 Groundwater NOC FAQs

1️⃣ What is a Groundwater NOC?
It’s an official permission granted by CGWA, UPGWD, or HWRA to abstract groundwater legally for domestic, industrial, or commercial use.

2️⃣ Who needs it?
Industries, factories, housing projects, hospitals, hotels, and commercial complexes across Delhi NCR, Noida, and Ghaziabad.

3️⃣ What happens if you extract groundwater without NOC?
Illegal abstraction invites penalties under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, and the CGWA 2020 guidelines.

4️⃣ How long is it valid?
Usually 2–5 years, depending on category and usage. Renewal must be applied before expiry.

5️⃣ Can consultants help?
Yes — experts like CGWA consultants in Delhi NCR and UPGWD NOC consultants in Ghaziabad handle documentation, impact studies, portal filing, and inspection coordination.

🌿 Conclusion

Obtaining a Ground Water NOC is essential for any project that depends on borewells or groundwater abstraction.
Partnering with a reliable environmental consultant ensures you stay compliant, sustainable, and legally protected.

Simplicomp Tech LLP offers pan-India support for:
✅ CGWA Permission | ✅ UPGWD & HWRA NOC | ✅ Pollution Board Approvals (CTE/CTO/CCA) | ✅ Water Audit & EIA Reports

📞 Contact us today to streamline your groundwater compliance in Noida, Greater Noida, Delhi NCR, or Ghaziabad — and secure your approvals hassle-free!