The rule covers more than large factories
Under CGWA’s September 2020 guidelines, any industry, infrastructure project, or mining operation withdrawing groundwater needs a No Objection Certificate, and this applies regardless of business size. A small processing unit with its own borewell falls under the same basic requirement as a large manufacturing plant, even if the depth of study required differs. NEER
Group housing societies are increasingly covered
New residential developments with their own borewell or tubewell connections, rather than relying entirely on municipal supply, typically need clearance as well. Many RWAs only learn this when applying for a water connection or during a compliance audit, at which point the best CGWA consultant can help assess exactly what applies to their specific society.
Infrastructure projects face the same requirement
Road projects, townships, and other infrastructure developments that draw groundwater during construction or operation fall under the same clearance framework as industrial units, often with additional considerations around construction-phase versus operational-phase withdrawal. Follow us NEER
Mining and quarrying operations without exception
Mining CGWA consultant projects, regardless of mineral type, are covered under this requirement and typically face more detailed review given the scale of water use and land disturbance involved.
Existing operations are not automatically exempt
A business that has been drawing groundwater for years without ever applying for an NOC is not exempt simply because of how long the practice has continued. Non-compliance found during an inspection can attract a penalty regardless of history, which is exactly why an applicability check early is worth the time. NEER
