Borewell Rules, Regulations, Permission and guidelines in Goa

If you are planning to drill a borewell in Goa, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations governing the drilling process. These regulations are in place to protect groundwater resources, ensure the sustainable use of water, and prevent environmental contamination. 

Here are the key rules and regulations for drilling borewells in Goa:
1. Goa Groundwater Regulation Act, 2002:
The Goa Groundwater Regulation Act, 2002 is the primary legislation that governs the extraction and management of groundwater in the state. It aims to regulate the drilling of borewells and promote the sustainable use of groundwater resources.
2. Obtaining a Permit:
Before drilling a borewell, it is mandatory to obtain a permit from the relevant authority. The permit is typically issued by the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) or the Water Resources Department. It outlines the conditions, restrictions, and guidelines for borewell drilling, including the permissible depth and the quantity of water that can be extracted.
3. Location Restrictions:
Borewells must be located at a safe distance from potential sources of contamination. The regulations specify minimum distances that must be maintained between borewells and sources such as septic tanks, drainage systems, industrial areas, and agricultural fields using chemicals. Adhering to these distance requirements helps prevent the contamination of groundwater.
4. Construction Standards:
Borewells in Goa must adhere to specific construction standards to ensure their safety and prevent groundwater contamination. The guidelines define the specifications for casing and screen materials, which should be corrosion-resistant and suitable for groundwater applications. Proper sealing of the borewell is also crucial to prevent the entry of surface water and contaminants.
5. Water Extraction Limits:
The extraction of groundwater through borewells is subject to limits to prevent overexploitation. These limits are determined by the permit and must be strictly followed. Monitoring of water levels and regular reporting of extraction quantities may be required to ensure compliance with the regulations.
6. Reporting and Compliance:
Borewell owners are required to report their borewell details and extraction data to the relevant authorities. It is essential to comply with the rules and regulations, and any modifications or changes to the borewell must be promptly reported to the authorities.
7. Penalties for Non-compliance:
Non-compliance with the rules and regulations for drilling borewells in Goa can result in penalties, including fines, cancellation of permits, or legal action. It is crucial to adhere to the guidelines to avoid any legal consequences and contribute to the sustainable management of groundwater resources.
In-Person Registration Procedure for Tube Wells or Borewells:
1. Visit the Municipal Corporation/ Village Panchayat office in your area. You can find the address and contact details of the head office on the following websites:
● Central Ground Water Board Contact Link
● Goa Department of Water Resource Link
● Municipal Corporation Head Office address Link
● Village Panchayat Address Link
2. Obtain the application form for the registration of Tube Wells or Borewells from the relevant department at the office.
3. Fill out the application form with all the required information and details. Make sure to sign the form.
4. Attach all the necessary documents listed in the “Required Documents” section of the website.
5. Submit the completed application form and attached documents to the relevant authority at the office.
6. Pay the required fees for the application process as directed by the officials. Collect the acknowledgment slip for the paid fee and keep it safe for future reference.
7. The application and attached documents will undergo verification to check for any discrepancies.
8. Once all the processes are completed and approved by the concerned officials, the registration process will proceed. Please note that this process may take up to 30 days.
9. When the registration document is ready for collection, the office will contact you at the given address. You can collect it in person or through any applicable means.

Apply Online Procedure for Tube Wells or Boreholes:
1. Visit the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) website. link
2. On the homepage, click on “Online Application for NOC”.
3. Click on “New User Registration” to create an account. Fill in the required information on the registration form.
4. During the registration process, you will receive an OTP (One Time Password) on your mobile for verification. Enter the OTP to verify your mobile number.
5. Complete the rest of the registration form and click on “Proceed” to finalize the process.
6. Go back to the homepage and click on “Applicant Login”. Enter your username and password, then click on the “Login” button.
7. After logging in, click on “Apply” and select one of the options for “New Application form for Industrial/ Infrastructure/ Mining application”.
8. Fill out all the sections of the form and click on “Save as Draft” for each section.
9. Upload the required documents in their respective tabs. Make sure to attach a scanned copy of the application with your signature and seal before the final submission.
10. Click on the “Submit” button on the “Final Submit” form. After successful submission, an application number will be generated.
11. The application will be automatically forwarded to the respective offices, so there is no need to send a hard copy of the application.
12. To track the status of your application, select the “Track your Application” link on the homepage. Click on “View” in the Status Column for the required application number to view the status of your submitted application.

Apply Online through WRD (Goa Water Resources Department):
1. Click on the ‘Register’ button on the Goa WRD website to create an account if you are a new user. If you have already registered, log in to the website.
2. Click on the ‘Register a Well’ button and provide the required details in the form. Upload the necessary documents and submit the form.
3. You will receive an SMS on your registered mobile containing a reference number for your application.
4. You will receive notifications regarding updates to your application via SMS.
5. Once the form is processed, you will be notified about a site inspection through SMS on your registered mobile.
6. A site inspection will be conducted based on the confirmation received.
7. After approval of your application, you will be informed, and you will need to pay the required fees online in the ‘payments’ section of the website. You will receive an SMS containing the payment details.
8. After successful payment, a digital certificate will be issued, which can be accessed through the “Digital Locker” link on the Government of India website. If you haven’t created a Digital Locker account, you can create one and link it to your Aadhaar card to access the certificate.

Required Documents:
● Completed Application form.
● Verification report.
● Sketch map of the proposed area signed by the Revenue Inspector.
● No objection certificate from neighboring residents (if necessary).
● Patta or sales deed of the land.
● Payment receipt.