Borewell Rules, Regulations, Permission and guidelines in Himachal Pradesh

Borewell drilling in Himachal Pradesh is subject to specific rules and regulations to ensure the sustainable utilization and management of groundwater resources. The general rules and regulations for borewell drilling in Himachal Pradesh are as follows:

1. Obtaining Permission: Prior permission is required from the concerned authority before drilling a borewell in Himachal Pradesh. The permission can be obtained from the Irrigation and Public Health Department or the District Groundwater Authority, depending on the jurisdiction.
2. No Objection Certificate (NOC): Applicants need to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the concerned authority before commencing borewell drilling. The NOC is issued after assessing the feasibility, groundwater availability, and potential impact on the environment.
3. Qualified Drillers: Borewell drilling should be carried out only by licensed and qualified drillers who have the necessary expertise and experience in drilling operations. It is important to engage certified drillers to ensure the proper construction of the borewell.
4. Borewell Construction Standards: Borewells should be constructed as per the prescribed standards and guidelines. The depth, diameter, and casing requirements must adhere to the specifications set by the Irrigation and Public Health Department or the relevant authority.
5. Borewell Registration: After drilling a borewell, it must be registered with the concerned authority. The registration process involves providing details such as the location, depth, and other relevant information about the borewell.
6. Rainwater Harvesting: It is mandatory to install rainwater harvesting systems along with borewells. This helps in recharging groundwater and promoting water conservation in Himachal Pradesh.
7. Monitoring and Inspection: The Irrigation and Public Health Department or the relevant authority may conduct periodic monitoring and inspection of borewells to ensure compliance with regulations and assess groundwater utilization.
8. Prohibition on Unauthorized Drilling: Unauthorized drilling of borewells is strictly prohibited. Only those borewells that have obtained the necessary permissions and clearances should be drilled.
9. Prohibition on Tampering: It is prohibited to tamper with the borewell construction, including altering the depth or casing, without prior permission from the concerned authority.
10. Penalties for Violation: Violation of the rules and regulations may attract penalties, including fines, cancellation of permissions, or legal action.
Procedure to Register Tube Wells or Borewells in Himachal Pradesh

Apply In-Person:
1. Visit the Municipal Corporation or Village Panchayat office in your area. You can find the address and contact details of the head office through the following links:
● Central Ground Water Board Link
● HIMACHAL PRADESH Irrigation and Public Health Department 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 essential information and details. Make sure to attest the form with your signature.
4. Attach all the required documents listed in the “Required Documents” section of the page.
5. Submit the application form and attached documents to the relevant authority at the office. Pay the required fees for the application process as directed by the officials. Collect the acknowledgement slip for the paid fee and keep it safe for future reference.
6. The application and attached documents will undergo a verification process to check for any discrepancies.
7. Once all the necessary processes are completed, the concerned officials will approve the application and proceed with the registration process. The registration process may take approximately 30 days.
8. Once the registration document is ready, the office will contact you at the given address. You can collect the document in person or through any applicable means.

Apply Online:
1. Visit the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) website to register Tube Wells or Boreholes. Access the link for “Online Application for NOC” on the homepage.Link
2. Click on “New User Registration” and fill in the required details in the User Registration Form. 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.
3. Complete the remaining sections of the registration form and click on “Proceed” to complete the process.
4. Return to the homepage and click on “Applicant Login”. Enter your User Name and password, then click on the “Login” button.
5. After logging in, click on “Apply” and select one of the “New Application forms for Industrial/Infrastructure/Mining application” options.
6. Fill out all the sections of the form and click on “Save as Draft” for each section.
7. Upload the required documents in the respective tabs. Note that a scanned copy of the application with your signature and seal should be attached in the “Application with Signature and Seal” section before the final submission.
8. Click on the “Submit” button on the “Final Submit” form. After successful submission, an application number will be generated.
9. The application will be automatically forwarded to the respective offices. There is no need to send a hard copy of the application.
10. Please note that once the application is submitted, it cannot be edited. To check 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 the submitted application.

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