CGWA Groundwater Extraction Guidelines: 2020 Framework & 2023 Amendments

Introduction

Groundwater remains the lifeline of India’s water supply, serving agriculture, drinking water, industries, and urban infrastructure alike. However, unregulated and unsustainable extraction has caused a severe decline in groundwater levels, pushing many aquifers into the “critical” and “over-exploited” zones.
Recognizing the urgency of this issue, the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA), under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, issued comprehensive Guidelines to Regulate and Control Groundwater Extraction in India in 2020. These guidelines marked a turning point in India’s approach to sustainable groundwater management by introducing a structured system for obtaining CGWA NOCs (No Objection Certificates) for groundwater extraction.

The 2020 guidelines brought a compliance-based framework requiring industries, mining, and infrastructure projects to secure groundwater NOC in India before extraction. They established clear technical, environmental, and administrative processes aimed at achieving sustainable use of the resource.

In 2023, through a Gazette Notification dated 29th March 2023, the Government amended these guidelines to strengthen the framework further. The CGWA Groundwater Extraction Guidelines 2023 Amendment introduced stricter compliance measures, mandatory water audits, digital monitoring, revised NOC applicability, and enhanced accountability mechanisms.

At Simplicomp Tech LLP, we specialize in helping industries, real estate developers, and infrastructure projects navigate the complex process of obtaining CGWA groundwater NOCs. With over a decade of experience in environmental and Pollution Control Board compliance, we simplify documentation, assessment, and approvals — ensuring your project remains legally compliant and environmentally responsible.

Key Provisions of the CGWA Guidelines 2020 (Recap)

The 2020 Guidelines to Regulate and Control Groundwater Extraction introduced several first-of-their-kind compliance measures that reshaped how businesses manage groundwater use in India.

1. NOC Requirement

• A CGWA NOC is mandatory for industries, infrastructure projects, mining, packaged drinking water units, and water tanker suppliers before groundwater extraction.
  
• Exemptions are granted only for agriculture, rural drinking water supply, individual households, and small industries using less than 10 m³/day.
  

2. Mandatory Compliance Conditions

• Installation of rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge systems.
  
• Use of digital water meters with telemetry for continuous monitoring.
  
• Installation of piezometers for groundwater level tracking.
  
• Conduct of annual water audits for industries consuming more than 100 m³/day.
  

3. Groundwater Extraction Charges

The 2020 framework introduced differential extraction charges ranging from ₹1 to ₹60 per m³ depending on the type of industry, extraction category, and zone (safe, semi-critical, critical, or over-exploited).

Higher charges applied to areas with stressed aquifers, promoting conservation through financial deterrence.

4. Penalties for Non-Compliance

Unauthorized extraction without a valid CGWA NOC attracted environmental compensation, and repeated non-compliance could result in NOC cancellation or operational shutdown under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

What Changed in the CGWA Guidelines 2023 Amendment

The CGWA 2023 Amendment refines the original framework by adding new compliance obligations and expanding the applicability of groundwater NOCs. Below are the key updates introduced:

1. Expanded NOC Applicability

• Residential and Group Housing Societies:
  Must now obtain a groundwater NOC if extraction exceeds 20 m³/day, especially where swimming pools are maintained.
  
• Industries, mining, and infrastructure projects:
  Exempted only if groundwater is used ≤5 m³/day for drinking or domestic purposes.
  

2. Digital Water Metering

• All NOC holders must install tamper-proof digital water meters with telemetry within 30 days of receiving approval.
  
• In multi-borewell premises, prepaid meters are permitted at common outlets for accurate monitoring.
  

3. Water Audits Strengthened

• Biennial (once every two years) water audits are now mandatory for industries extracting more than 100 m³/day.
  
• Industries must reduce groundwater consumption by at least 20% over three years.
  
• Audit reports must be submitted online to CGWA or respective State Groundwater Authorities.
  

4. Impact Assessment for Large Users

Large projects withdrawing more than 100–2000 m³/day (depending on aquifer classification) must submit:

• A Groundwater Impact Assessment Report, and
  
• A Groundwater Modeling Study covering a 5 km radius around the site.
  

These reports must be prepared only by CGWA-accredited consultants.

5. Piezometers (Observation Wells)

Mandatory installation of piezometers with digital water level recorders (DWLRs) and telemetry:

• Required for extraction >100 m³/day in hard rock aquifers.
  
• Required for extraction >500 m³/day in alluvial aquifers.
  
• Monthly data submission to CGWA via the official online portal.
  

6. Artificial Recharge Mandate

Sports facilities, stadiums, golf courses, and large grounds must install rainwater harvesting and artificial recharge systems to compensate for water use.

7. Revised Charges for Domestic and Drinking Use

• 0–25 m³/day → No charge
  
• 25–200 m³/day → ₹1/m³
  
• 200 m³/day → ₹2/m³
  
  
• Government/infrastructure projects → ₹0.50/m³ flat
  

8. Wetland and Sensitive Zone Protection

Projects located within 500 meters of wetlands must demonstrate no adverse ecological impact and secure additional approvals from Wetland or State Authorities.

9. Ownership and NOC Transfer

Any change in ownership, lease, or operation requires an NOC update within 60 days to remain valid.

10. Expanded Definitions and Accountability

Entities must now disclose details of functional, non-functional, and abandoned wells. Penalties apply for failure to maintain recharge and conservation structures.

2020 vs 2023: Key Differences

Why These Changes Matter

The CGWA 2023 Amendments reflect the government’s intensified focus on sustainable groundwater management and digital transparency. These updates emphasize:

• Stricter compliance for industrial, residential, and mining users.
  
• Real-time water monitoring through telemetry systems.
  
• Scientific groundwater impact assessments for large projects.
  
• Wider accountability through regular audits and recharge structures.
  

For industries, this means not only higher compliance responsibilities but also greater predictability and risk-managed operations.
It ensures that groundwater extraction in India aligns with national goals of sustainability and water security.

How Simplicomp Helps with CGWA NOC and Groundwater Compliance

At Simplicomp Tech LLP, we provide end-to-end consulting services for securing CGWA groundwater NOCs and maintaining ongoing compliance. Our team of experts assists industries, infrastructure developers, and residential societies in all aspects of groundwater regulation, including:

✅ 1. Eligibility Assessment & Guidance

We evaluate your project’s water requirements and determine whether you qualify for a CGWA NOC, exemption, or renewal under the 2023 guidelines.

✅ 2. Documentation & Application Filing

We manage the entire CGWA online NOC application process, ensuring accurate documentation and timely submission to avoid delays or rejections.

✅ 3. Digital Metering & Piezometer Compliance

Our team assists in the installation and configuration of digital water meters with telemetry and piezometers in accordance with CGWA norms.

✅ 4. Water Audit & Impact Assessment

We coordinate with CGWA-accredited auditors to conduct mandatory water audits and prepare impact assessment reports for high-extraction projects.

✅ 5. Artificial Recharge & Rainwater Harvesting Systems

Simplicomp designs and supervises the implementation of recharge structures required for CGWA NOC approval.

✅ 6. Ongoing Monitoring & Reporting

From periodic data submission to CGWA portals to NOC renewal support, we ensure your organization remains compliance-ready year-round.

With over a decade of experience and 100+ successfully managed projects, Simplicomp has become a trusted partner for industries seeking groundwater NOC consultants in India.

Conclusion

The CGWA Groundwater Extraction Guidelines 2020 laid the foundation for structured and sustainable groundwater use in India. The 2023 Amendments have further reinforced this framework by introducing digital compliance, stricter audits, and scientific accountability.

For industries, housing societies, and infrastructure developers, compliance with CGWA guidelines is no longer optional—it is a legal requirement backed by strict monitoring and penalties.

At Simplicomp Tech LLP, we simplify the complexities of groundwater compliance. From CGWA NOC application and water audits to recharge system design and reporting, our team ensures timely approvals, complete legal compliance, and sustainable water management — empowering your business to focus on growth while staying responsible and compliant.

FAQs

1. What is the latest CGWA notification on groundwater?
   The latest amendment was issued on 29th March 2023, refining the 2020 framework with new compliance measures, stricter monitoring, and revised extraction charges.
2. Do residential apartments need CGWA NOC?
   Yes, residential or group housing societies extracting more than 20 m³/day or maintaining swimming pools must obtain a CGWA NOC.
3. How are industries regulated under the 2023 guidelines?
   Industries must conduct biennial water audits, reduce groundwater use by 20% in three years, and install piezometers with telemetry.
4. What are the new charges for groundwater extraction?
   For domestic use:

• 0–25 m³/day: No charge
  
• 25–200 m³/day: ₹1/m³
  
• 200 m³/day: ₹2/m³
  

5. How can Simplicomp help with CGWA compliance?
   Simplicomp manages the entire CGWA compliance cycle—from eligibility assessment, documentation, and audits to recharge system implementation and ongoing reporting.

Simplify your CGWA NOC process with experts you can trust.
Simplicomp Tech LLP provides comprehensive groundwater compliance solutions — from NOC applications and audits to monitoring and recharge design.