Borewell Rules, Regulations, Permission and guidelines in Gujarat

If you are planning to drill a borewell in Gujarat, it is important to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations governing the drilling process. These regulations are in place to ensure the sustainable use of groundwater resources and to safeguard the environment. Here, we provide you with an overview of the key rules and regulations that apply to borewell drilling in Gujarat.
1. Gujarat Groundwater Regulation Act
The Gujarat Groundwater Regulation Act is the primary legislation governing groundwater extraction in the state. Under this act, individuals or entities must obtain a license or permit from the Gujarat Water Resources Department to drill borewells for domestic, agricultural, or industrial purposes. The license specifies the conditions and limits for groundwater extraction, including the maximum permissible depth and the quantity of water that can be extracted.
2. Distance from Pollution Sources
To protect groundwater quality, borewells must be located at a safe distance from potential sources of contamination. As per the regulations, the minimum distance between a borewell and sources such as septic tanks, agricultural fields using chemical fertilizers or pesticides, and industrial areas is specified. These distances are set to prevent the entry of pollutants into the groundwater.
3. Construction Standards
Borewells in Gujarat must adhere to specific construction standards to ensure their integrity and safety. The guidelines specify the minimum size and type of casing and screen materials to be used. These materials should be corrosion-resistant and approved for groundwater applications. Additionally, a sanitary seal or cap must be installed to prevent the entry of surface water, insects, and contaminants into the borewell.
4. Monitoring and Reporting
After drilling a borewell, it is important to monitor its performance and regularly report the groundwater extraction data to the authorities. The Gujarat Water Resources Department may require periodic reports on the quantity of water extracted and its intended use. This information helps in monitoring groundwater levels and ensuring compliance with the permitted limits.
5. Compliance with Water Conservation Measures
To promote sustainable groundwater use, Gujarat encourages the adoption of water conservation measures. These measures may include rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation techniques, and the use of recycled or treated water where feasible. Borewell owners are expected to comply with these conservation practices and use water judiciously.
6. Penalties for Non-compliance
Failure to comply with the rules and regulations related to borewell drilling in Gujarat can result in penalties, including fines, suspension of the drilling license, or legal actions. It is essential to adhere to the guidelines and maintain compliance with the stipulated regulations to avoid any legal consequences.

Applying In-Person:
To register tube wells or borewells, please follow the procedure below:
1. Visit the Municipal Corporation/Village Panchayat office of your area. You can find the address and contact details of the head office by visiting the following links:
● Central Ground Water Board Contact Link
● GUJARAT Water Supply and Sewage Board Link
● Municipal Corporation Head Office address Link
● Village Panchayat Address Link.
2. Once at the office, obtain the application form for the registration of tube wells or borewells from the relevant department.
3. Fill out the application form with all the essential information and details, and make sure to sign it. The form should be attested with the applicant’s signature.
4. Attach all the required documents listed in the “Required Documents” section of this page.
5. Submit the completed application form along with the attached documents to the relevant authority. 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.
6. The application and attached documents will be sent for verification to check for any discrepancies.
7. After completing all the necessary processes, the concerned officials will approve the application and proceed with the registration process. Please note that the registration process may take up to 30 days.
8. Once the registration document is ready to be collected, the office will contact you at the provided address. You can collect it in person or through any applicable means as instructed by the office.

Applying Online:
To register tube wells or boreholes, you can also apply online through the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) website. Follow the steps below:
1. Visit the CGWA website and click on the “Online Application for NOC” link on the homepage.
2. Click on “New User Registration” and fill in the required details on the registration form.
3. During the registration process, an OTP (One Time Password) will be sent to your mobile for verification. Enter the OTP to verify your mobile number.
4. Complete the rest of the form and click on “Proceed” to finish the registration process.
5. Go back to the homepage and click on “Applicant Login”. Enter your username and password, and click on “Login”.
6. After logging in, click on “Apply” and select the appropriate option for “New Application form for Industrial/Infrastructure/Mining application”.
7. Fill out all the sections of the form and click on “Save as Draft” for each section.
8. Upload the required documents in their respective tabs. Note that the scanned copy of the application with your signature and seal should be attached at the “Application with Signature and Seal” section after completing all the information and before the final submission.
9. Click on the “Submit” button on the “Final Submit” form. An application number will be generated after successful submission.
10. The application will be automatically forwarded to the respective offices, so there is no need to send a hard copy of the application.
11. To track the status of your application, click on the “Track your Application” link on the homepage. Select “View” in the Status Column for the required application number to view the status of the submitted application.

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