New Delhi, Jan 30 (KNN) The industries which have not taken No Objection Certificates (NOC) for harnessing groundwater using motor pump/submersible will not be able to use it after March 31, 2019.

In case any industry does so without the NOC then a penalty of Rs 5000 per day will be levied on it.

The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) under the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has directed the all groundwater users including industrial, infrastructure and mining projects to submit applications for No Objection Certificate (NOC) to CGWA through NOCAP latest by March 31, 2019.

In a notification, it said the due date to submit applications for NOC to CGWA through NOCAP is extended up to March 31, 2019.

“All the ground water users drawing ground water without a valid NOC from Central and State/UT authorities, as the case may be, are directed to submit their applications for NOC by or before said date to the concerned authorities / authorized officers,” notification added.

It further clarified that the industries/projects drawing ground water without a valid NOC or in violation of prohibitory directions of NGT are liable to pay Fine/Environmental Compensation/ Damages as may be decided by NGT, New Delhi on first conviction.

The industries or projects which have already been convicted by NGT are also liable to pay fine at the rate of Rs 5000 per day for continued violation after first conviction.

The cases of NOC under specific orders/directions of NGT shall be dealt with in accordance with the directions of NGT, said the notification.

The detailed directions, existing guidelines etc., are available on the web link:

www.cgwa-noc.gov.in/LandingPage/GroundWater.htm/cgwb.gov.in