Mysore/Mysuru: In a move aimed at checking indiscreet use of ground water, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rohini Sindhuri said that it is mandatory for industries, commercial establishments, mining units, infrastructure development sector and such others, to get a ‘No Objection Certificate (NOC)’ from Ground Water Directorate and Karnataka Ground Water Authority, for using ground water and digging borewells.

The DC was speaking at a meeting of District Ground Water Committee at her office here recently.

Stressing on the need for judicious use of ground water, she said that ground water users can apply online through the Authority websites [https://Kgwasakala.karnataka.gov.in or https://antharjala.Karnataka.gov.in] till April 30 to get permission to dig borewells.

Pointing out that it is mandatory for borewell rig machines to get registered with Karnataka Ground Water Authority, she said that members of the public and local officials can lodge complaints at their jurisdictional Police Stations if borewell rig machines from other States that are not registered, are found digging borewells in urban or rural areas.

She also asked the Police and RTO officials to carry out checks on unauthorised borewell rigs and take necessary action if any illegalities are found.

Continuing, Sindhuri said that all Government Departments, Local Bodies, Boards and Corporations should set a precondition that only those rig owners who have secured 7A license from the Ground Water Authority and Registered Borewell Companies can participate in the tender process for digging borewells. 

Also, private land owners, site owners and all Government Departments, which want to dig borewells, must inform the respective concerned local authorities at least 15 days in advance of digging borewells and get NOC from the authorities. 

Further, the site owners and Departments must engage only 7A licence holders for digging borewells. Also, it is mandatory to safely close all failed borewells taking all safety precautions, failing which the concerned site owners, land owners, borewell contractors and rig agencies will be held responsible in case of any mishaps that may arise out of uncovered failed borewells, the DC said.

Referring to farm activities involving ground water, the DC said that farmers must adopt drip irrigation in order to conserve ground water. Also, industries and other commercial establishments must install rain water harvesting systems and must recycle waste water as a water conservation measure. 

She further stressed on the need for industrial establishments and other ground water users to take measures for ground water recharging and evolve other action plans for water conservation.