CGWA Guidelines Criteria on Saline Ground Water Abstraction in Areas Notified for Ground Water Regulation

Additional Guidelines Government of India CENTRAL GROUND WATER AUTHORITY Ministry of Water Resources West Block-2, Wing-3, R. K. Puram, Sector-1, New Delhi-110066 GUIDELINES/CRITERIA ON SALINE GROUND WATER ABSTRACTION IN AREAS NOTIFIED FOR GROUND WATER REGULATION (w.e.f 5.4.2013) 1. In Notified areas, withdrawal of saline water from deeper aquifers can be permitted subject to the following conditions. (a) Saline water withdrawn shall not contaminate the fresh water aquifers while transporting or using. (b) No brine or waste disposal should occur in that area. (c) The withdrawal of saline water or pumping of the saline aquifer by industries/organisations, should not affect the fresh water aquifer, if any in the area. The proposal needs to be supported with an appropriate ground water model. (d) Piezometers should be constructed and monitored regularly for piezometric level & quality, of the aquifer from which the saline water is pumped, as well as, the adjacent/overlying/underlying fresh water aquifers, if any. (e) The data generated has to be submitted to the respective Regional Director of CGWB periodically. (f) CGWA has right to withdraw the permission at any time without assigning any reason. (g) Adequate Rain Water Harvesting/Artificial Recharge should be done as per directives of CGWA. 2. In case of saline/contaminated water occurring within the phreatic zone or water logged area occurring as a pocket in notified area, withdrawal may be permitted for uses other than domestic use subject to: (a) The area shall be clearly demarcated and the respective Regional Director of CGWB shall give clear recommendation on the quantity which can be withdrawn. (b) The withdrawal should not have any impact on the fresh water aquifer and this has to be ascertained by the concerned Regional Director, CGWB. (c) Other conditions shall remain same as (1) above.