In the veins of our planet lie its lifeblood: aquifers. These underground reservoirs of freshwater are the unsung heroes of our ecosystem, powering economies, nourishing agriculture, and quenching the thirst of billions. But as global challenges mount, from over-extraction to industrial pollution, the sanctity of our aquifers is under grave threat. Enter groundwater consultants, the vanguard of aquifer protection, wielding expertise and technology to ensure these reservoirs endure for generations to come.

The Vital Role of Aquifers:

Aquifers are permeable rock formations that store freshwater, playing a crucial role in the hydrological cycle. They act as nature’s underground storage tanks, replenishing surface water bodies and providing much-needed water during dry periods.

Agriculture, a cornerstone of global economies, relies heavily on aquifers for irrigation, ensuring food security for millions. Industries, too, tap into these resources for various processes, while households depend on them for daily consumption. Quite simply, without aquifers, life as we know it would be unsustainable.

Current Threats to Aquifers:

Unfortunately, the demands of a burgeoning global population and expanding industrial sectors have led to rampant over-extraction. Add to this the peril of contaminants seeping from industrial wastes, and our aquifers are facing unprecedented threats. Moreover, climate change brings its own set of challenges, altering rainfall patterns and, in turn, the recharge rates of these aquifers.

Enter the Groundwater Consultants:

Groundwater consultants bridge the gap between science and sustainable water management. Armed with advanced tools and methodologies, they meticulously study and monitor aquifer health. Their role involves gauging water levels, assessing water quality, and forecasting future scenarios based on current extraction rates and climatic trends.

Strategies Employed:

Consultants champion sustainable extraction methods, ensuring that withdrawal rates don’t surpass natural replenishment rates. In regions with contamination risks, they devise remediation strategies to curb pollutant spread and ensure safe water quality. Collaboration is key: by working with local communities, industries, and policymakers, consultants pave the way for holistic aquifer management.

Real-life success stories:

Consider the case of a Midwestern town in the U.S. where over-extraction threatened local aquifers. Through the expertise of groundwater consultants, the community adopted sustainable extraction techniques, ensuring water security for future generations. In another instance, a groundwater consultancy in India reversed contamination damage, transforming a once-polluted aquifer into a potable water source.

Regulatory Landscape:

Across the globe, regulations governing groundwater extraction and quality are evolving. Groundwater consultants play an instrumental role in shaping these rules, ensuring they are grounded in scientific fact and practicality. From acquiring groundwater NOC approvals to helping entities adhere to regulatory norms, their influence is pervasive.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Aquifer Management

Emerging technologies, from AI-driven monitoring systems to advanced filtration techniques, are set to revolutionize groundwater consulting. With a global emphasis on aquifer preservation, consultants stand at the forefront of this new era, ready to tackle future challenges with innovation and expertise.

In conclusion, our aquifers are more than just water reservoirs; they are a legacy we must bequeath to future generations. It’s high time we recognized and acted on the urgency to protect them. And in this monumental task, groundwater consultants lead the way.

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.