Borewell Rules, Regulations, Permission and guidelines in West Bengal

In West Bengal, the rules and regulations for borewell drilling are primarily governed by the West Bengal Ground Water Resources (Control and Regulation) Act, 2005. Here are the general rules and regulations for borewell drilling in West Bengal:

1. Permission and Registration: Prior permission and registration are required for drilling borewells in West Bengal. The concerned authority for granting permission and registration is the West Bengal Ground Water Authority.
2. Qualified Drillers: Borewell drilling should be carried out by qualified drillers who possess a valid license issued by the West Bengal Ground Water Authority.
3. Depth and Diameter: The depth and diameter of the borewell should comply with the specifications mentioned in the permission granted by the authority. Any deviation from the approved specifications may require prior approval.
4. Construction Standards: Borewells should be constructed following the recommended construction standards to ensure their structural integrity and prevent contamination of groundwater.
5. Proximity to Contaminating Sources: Borewells should maintain a safe distance from potential contaminating sources such as septic tanks, sewage lines, industrial areas, and chemical storage facilities to prevent groundwater pollution.
6. Casing and Sealing: Borewells should be adequately cased and sealed to prevent the ingress of surface water, pollutants, or foreign substances into the well.
7. Recharge Structures: It is encouraged to provide suitable recharge structures such as rainwater harvesting systems to replenish the groundwater resources.
8. Abandonment of Borewells: Abandoned or non-functional borewells should be properly sealed and decommissioned as per the guidelines provided by the West Bengal Ground Water Authority.
9. Compliance and Inspections: The West Bengal Ground Water Authority may conduct inspections to ensure compliance with the rules and regulations. Non-compliance may result in penalties or legal actions.
10. Groundwater Extraction Fees: Depending on the category and purpose of the borewell, the West Bengal Ground Water Authority may impose fees for groundwater extraction. The fees and payment procedures should be adhered to as per the authority’s guidelines.

Procedure for Registering Tube Wells or Borewells in West Bengal
Apply In-Person:
1. Visit the Municipal Corporation/Village Panchayat office of your area. You can find the address and contact details of the head office on the following websites:
● Central Ground Water Board Contact Link
● West Bengal municipal corporation and water supply department Link
● Municipal Corporation Head Office Address: Link
● Village Panchayat Address Link
2. Obtain the application form for Registration of Tube Wells or Borewells from the relevant department at the office.
3. Fill out the application form with the required information and details. Make sure to attest the form with your signature.
4. Attach all the documents listed in the “Required Documents” section of the application form.
5. Submit the completed application form and attached documents to the relevant authority. Pay the required fees for the application process at the office 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 undergo verification to check for any discrepancies.
7. Once all the necessary processes are completed and the application is approved by the concerned officials, the registration process will proceed. The registration process may take up to 30 days.
8. When the registration document is ready to be collected, 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(Link) to register tube wells or boreholes online.
2. On the homepage, click on the “Online Application for NOC” link.
3. Click on “New User Registration” to create a new user account. Fill in the required information in the “User Registration” form.

4. During the registration process, an OTP (One Time Password) will be sent to your mobile number for verification. Enter the OTP to verify your mobile number.
5. Complete the rest of the page and click on “Proceed” to proceed with the registration process.
6. Go back to the homepage and click on “Applicant Login”. Enter your user name and password, then click on the “Login” button.
7. After logging in, click on “Apply” and select one of the “New Application form for Industrial/ Infrastructure/ Mining application” options.
8. Fill in all the sections of the form and click on “Save as Draft” for each section.
9. Upload the required documents in their respective tabs. Note that the scanned copy of the application with signature and seal should be attached in the “Application with Signature and Seal” section after completing all the information and before the final submission.
10. Click on the “Submit” button on the “Final Submit” form. After the successful submission of the Application Form, an application number will be generated.
11. The application will be automatically forwarded to the respective offices. There is no need to send a hard copy of the application.
12. To track the status of your application, visit the CGWA website and 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.