How Groundwater Clearance Contributes to Safe Infrastructure Development
The global urban landscape is in the midst of an unprecedented metamorphosis. With cities expanding and populations booming, there is a pressing drive to establish infrastructure robust enough to withstand the tests of time. Yet, in this race to urbanize, the subterranean component, namely groundwater, often doesn’t receive its due attention. Groundwater clearance, a seemingly mundane procedure, is pivotal in determining the longevity and stability of our architectural marvels.
The Hidden Foundation—Groundwater:
Under our feet, below the dense layers of soil and rock, lies groundwater. It’s essentially the water trapped within the earth’s pores, acting as an unseen reservoir. The nature of this hidden foundation is not static; it shifts based on rainfall, human activities like well-drilling and irrigation, and the presence of lakes or rivers nearby.
Groundwater Clearance—Why Does It Matter?
Think of building a house on a waterlogged sponge. Sounds risky, right? The same principle applies when it comes to constructing infrastructure. Groundwater clearance ensures that the site is adequately drained and fortified against potential groundwater-related issues. Neglecting this step can lead to a host of problems: walls can buckle, basements might flood, or worse still, entire structures could collapse due to unstable foundations.
Groundwater Clearance in Action:
The science of groundwater clearance is intricate and multifaceted. Professionals utilize hydrological surveys to gauge the extent of groundwater. They then employ pumps to remove excess water and set up silt barriers to prevent soil erosion. As a testament to its efficacy, consider the construction of skyscrapers in cities like Dubai or the intricate subway systems in New York. Groundwater clearance played a pivotal role in ensuring these structures stood tall and were operational.
Collaborative Expertise for Groundwater Management:
Groundwater clearance isn’t the sole domain of hydrologists. It’s a symphony of skills, ranging from engineers who understand structural nuances to construction experts familiar with site dynamics. Central to these operations are experienced consultants who merge the world of geoscience with construction, ensuring that the land’s voice isn’t lost amid the cacophony of machines and blueprints.
Environmental and Regulatory Considerations:
Beyond the bricks and mortar, groundwater clearance has profound ecological ramifications. Irresponsible clearance can disrupt habitats, dry up springs, or lead to land degradation. Recognizing these impacts, many countries have stringent environmental regulations in place. Adherence isn’t just about avoiding legal repercussions; it’s about pledging allegiance to a more sustainable future.
The Path Forward: Innovations and Best Practices
As with all sciences, the realm of groundwater clearance is evolving. Today, AI-driven tools can predict groundwater behavior, and GIS systems map it with impeccable accuracy. These technological advances, combined with best practices, pave the way for infrastructures that respect both human ambition and nature’s intricacies.
Conclusion:
As we sketch the future of our urban landscapes, the onus is on us to recognize and respect the delicate dance of nature and infrastructure. Groundwater clearance, far from being a mere procedural step, is the bridge that harmoniously links the world above and below. In our quest for progress, let’s ensure that this bridge stands strong, echoing our commitment to safe and sustainable development.
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.
ADVANTAGES OF IMPLEMENTING RWH SYSTEM
Following are the advantages of implementing Rainwater Harvesting in Industrial Premises;
Availability of Water– Assured water availability at the time and place of need.
Sustainability to existing Wells– It increase sustainability of wells and reduction in failure of wells due to decline of Groundwater levels.
Improvement of Groundwater Quality– It improves the Groundwater quality as dilution is the best solution for Groundwater pollution.
Reduction in Hazards-It will reduce hazards due to water stagnation and flood during the rainy season.
Reduction in Damage Cost-The damage to roads due to stagnation of water will reduce, thereby reduction in the cost of maintenance and better mobility of vehicles.
Cost-Effective– it is very cost-effective measure to conserve water.
Maintain Water Level– By adopting Rainwater Harvesting and Artificial Recharge.
Thus, Rainwater Harvesting and Artificial Recharge to Groundwater is the need of the hour as it is the most environment-friendly solution for augmenting water availability. Everybody can adopt these measures in their building of any kind or size.
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.