In an era where architectural marvels touch the sky and urban landscapes are ever-evolving, the construction sector stands as a testament to human ingenuity and innovation. However, beneath the surface of these towering structures lies a myriad of complexities, one of the most critical being the role of groundwater. Ensuring a safe excavation process is more than just shovels and machinery—it’s a dance with nature, where understanding and managing groundwater is paramount.

Groundwater: The Silent Variable
Think of groundwater as the silent partner in the construction process. Often out of sight, it flows beneath our cities, towns, and fields, playing a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. In the realm of construction, the presence of groundwater can significantly affect the excavation processes. Its unpredictable nature, which varies in depth and flow, can sometimes be a boon but, if overlooked, a potential bane.

The Implications of Overlooking Groundwater
Ignoring the silent whispers of groundwater can amplify a cacophony of challenges. Construction sites, when caught unprepared, can witness flooding, leading to project delays and inflated costs. Unstable excavation walls might collapse, endangering workers and machinery alike. There have been instances where entire projects, like an ambitious skyscraper in Shanghai, faced foundational issues due to unexpected groundwater levels, leading to expensive rectifications.

Groundwater Clearance: A Prerequisite for Safe Excavation
Groundwater clearance isn’t just a formality—it’s a meticulous process that safeguards construction endeavors. It encompasses rigorous hydrological surveys, precise mapping of groundwater tables, and comprehensive risk assessments. With these insights, construction teams can strategize their excavation activities, ensuring safety and efficiency.

The Expertise Behind Groundwater Clearance:
Guiding this intricate process are the groundwater consultants—unsung heroes who ensure the harmonious coexistence of construction ambitions and natural groundwater reserves. Armed with state-of-the-art tools and technologies, they interpret complex hydrological data, working in synergy with site engineers, architects, and project managers, paving the path for seamless construction activities.

Regulatory Aspects of Groundwater Clearance:
Beyond the practical implications, there’s a realm of legal and environmental regulations that mandate prudent groundwater management. Acquiring a groundwater NOC isn’t just about ticking a box; it’s about fulfilling a responsibility towards nature and society. Failure to comply can lead to legal complications, hefty fines, and, in some cases, project shutdowns.

The Road Ahead: Evolving Practices and Technologies
As we stride into the future, the practice of groundwater clearance is on the brink of a transformative era. Emerging technologies, like AI-driven hydrological simulations and drone-assisted site surveys, are reshaping the way we understand and manage groundwater. As urban territories expand and our environmental consciousness deepens, the focus on sustainable and informed groundwater clearance is bound to intensify.

Conclusion:
As skyscrapers touch new heights and urban landscapes sprawl, it’s essential to remember that the real foundation of any construction endeavor lies beneath the ground. Groundwater clearance is more than a process; it’s a commitment to safety, sustainability, and success. In this intricate dance with nature, every stakeholder in the construction realm must recognize the tune of groundwater and move in harmony, ensuring a brighter and safer future for all.

GROUND WATER CLEARANCE

GROUND WATER CLEARANCE / PERMISSION TO ABSTRACT GROUND WATER

About Ground Water Clearance

In accordance to the guidelines issued by Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) dated 24th September 2020, constituted under the Environmental Protection Act, All Industries, Infrastructure & Mining projects withdrawing Ground Water are required to get prior permission that is No objection certificate (NOC) from Central Ground Water Authority or State Specific Ground Water Authority whichever is Applicable .

Non-compliance of NOC conditions may attract a Penalty.

What are the Various Authorities that are Providing Ground Water Clearance?

Central Ground water Authority has been constituted to regulate and control development and management of ground water resources in the country. It is Providing Ground water Clearance in Various states where as other states are managed by their own State Specific Ground water Authority.

Who all need Ground Water Clearance and Why?

Any new and existing Industries, group housing societies and private water supply tankers, Infrastructures Projects and Mining Projects are required to get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for withdrawal of Groundwater.

TURN KEY ADVICE FOR OBTAINING NOC

• Preparation of all required technical reports as per site-specific parameters.
• Guidance for other documentation as per Govt. Guidelines and project requirements for obtaining required permits.
• Apply the application on a state-specific online portal for issuance of NOC. (reframe the sentence)
• Guidance for getting NOC, including query reply, if any;
• Post NOC advice and guidance for implementation of required compliances for issuance of final NOC.

RAINWATER HARVESTING

RWH is the technique of collecting, storing and distributing rainwater for multiple uses. The collected water can be stored for direct use or diverted for borewell/groundwater recharge. In simple terms it is a way to capture the rainwater when it rains, for later use.

WHY HARVEST RAINWATER

Water Crisis is common in Urban and Rural areas in India. This is more felt in urban areas due to population concentration. In hilly regions, even though water is available in limited quantities, crises are handled due to the drying up of the sources. Rainfall is one of the important source of fresh water is a significant throughout the Country. Rainwater Harvesting is one of the important solution to mitigate the water crisis as the copious volume of water goes waste during the rainy season.
Thus Rainwater Harvesting and Artificial Recharge of Groundwater have to be adopted to provide sustainability to the water supply.

HOW TO HARVEST THE RAINWATER

Any Rainwater Harvesting system has three components: Catchment, Conveyance, and Storage. There are two classes of Rainwater Harvesting systems:

• Systems which collect roof runoff for household use.
• Systems which use in field or adjoining catchment to provide supplemental irrigation for Agriculture.

RAINWATER HARVESTING AND ARTIFICIAL RECHARGE SYSTEM

Rainwater Harvesting and Artificial Recharge system are influenced by numerous site-specific parameters and factors to avail maximum efficiency and effectiveness. A few factors influencing the design of RWH & AR systems are as under: –

• Physical & climatic parameters Hydro-meteorological data.
• Hydrological parameters. 
• Hydro-geological parameters.
• Chemical quality of source & groundwater.

NEER offers its services in the following aspects:

• To assess the requirement of Rainwater Harvesting and Artificial Recharge system.
• To assess the confluence point of any other type of water with rainwater and suggest its handling.
• Assess the lithology within the premises to develop the most effective, efficient, and economical Rainwater Harvesting and Artificial Recharge system.
• To prepare a technical report on desired Rainwater Harvesting and Artificial Recharge system.
• To design the Rainwater Harvesting and Artificial Recharge system.
• To prepare the BOQ and cost estimates to develop a suitable Rainwater Harvesting system.
• In the case of the development of the RWH & AR system in any of the premises, the development of the RWH & AR system attracts the consideration of the following factors that influence the cost and its implementation.
• Channelization of rooftop rainwater up to recharge shaft.
• Recharge shaft, which again depends upon the catchment area of the recharge shaft.
• Availability of land for development of proper rainwater retention trench;
• The injection method and depth of Injection well again depend upon the geological condition and aquifer parameters.
• Expected Source water and Groundwater quality.

NEER also offers its services on a turnkey basis the implement the designed rooftop Rainwater Harvesting and Artificial Recharge system in the subject premises under its supervision

Design Rainwater Harvesting and Artificial Recharge system on site-specific parameters and Govt Guidelines for your premises and obtain an offer.

GROUND WATER IMPACT ASSESSMENT STUDY

What is Ground Water Impact Assessment Study?

As per the new guidelines notified on 24.09.2020, all industries extracting/proposing to extract ground water in excess of 100 m3/day in Over-exploited, Critical and Semicritical areas shall have to mandatorily submit impact assessment report prepared by Accredited consultants of CGWA.

The proforma for report that was made available on the NOCAP website of Central Ground water Authority duly followed by all other State Ground Water Authorities.

• Impact Assessment Report Includes Brief of Project, Topography, Drainage, Hydrogeology, details of Tube wells, Comprehensive assessment of the impact on the ground water regime in and around the project area NEER is an accredited consultant of CGWA for providing Impact Assessment Report.