Frequently Asked Questions

The Haryana Water Resources Authority (HWRA) is a statutory body established by the Government of Haryana under the Haryana Water Resources (Conservation, Regulation and Management) Authority Act, 2020. Its primary purpose is to address the critical issue of water scarcity and over-exploitation of water resources in the state.

Key Functions and Powers of HWRA 

The HWRA has a broad mandate to conserve, regulate, and manage both surface and groundwater resources in Haryana. Its main functions and powers include:
  •    Regulation of Water Use: The authority grants No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and permissions for the extraction of groundwater for various purposes, including industrial, commercial, and infrastructure projects. This is a key regulatory tool to control water abstraction and prevent further depletion of aquifers. Certain categories of users, like individual domestic consumers and agricultural activities, are typically exempt from this requirement.

  •    Conservation and Management: HWRA is responsible for developing and implementing plans for the sustainable use of water. This includes promoting rainwater harvesting, artificial recharge of groundwater, and other water-saving measures. It aims to achieve a judicious, equitable, and efficient use of water resources across the state.

  •    Data and Planning: The authority is tasked with collecting and analyzing data on water resources. It publishes reports on groundwater and surface water, and uses this information to create and update an Integrated State Water Plan. This planning is crucial for making informed decisions and designing interventions at a block and village level.

  •    Enforcement: HWRA has the power to impose restrictions and mechanisms to ensure a sustainable water regimen. It can impose environmental compensation or penalties on those who illegally extract groundwater or violate its regulations.

  •    Collaboration and Awareness: The authority works with other government departments and stakeholders to improve water governance. It also conducts awareness campaigns to educate the public on the importance of water conservation.
 

The purpose of the Haryana Water Resources Authority (HWRA) is to address the critical challenges of water scarcity, over-exploitation of groundwater, and inefficient water use in the state of Haryana. Established under the Haryana Water Resources (Conservation, Regulation and Management) Authority Act, 2020, HWRA serves as a central body with a broad mandate to ensure the sustainable, judicious, and equitable management of all water resources—both surface and groundwater.

The main purpose of HWRA is to regulate, manage, and conserve the water resources of Haryana, especially groundwater, which is under severe stress in the state.

1.    Groundwater Regulation

       --   Control and monitor extraction of groundwater for industrial, commercial, agricultural, and domestic use.
       --   Issue permissions and NOCs for groundwater withdrawal.

2.    Water Conservation & Sustainability

       --   Promote rainwater harvesting, artificial recharge, and efficient water use.
       --   Ensure sustainable use of groundwater to prevent over-exploitation.

3.    Planning & Management

       --  Prepare water security plans for different regions of Haryana.    
       --  Recommend measures to balance demand and supply of water.

4.    Policy & Guidelines

       --  Frame regulations for water pricing, reuse, and recycling.
       --  Encourage industries, institutions, and urban bodies to adopt water-efficient practices.

5.    Monitoring & Enforcement

       --   Maintain records of groundwater levels and extraction.
       --   Take corrective and punitive actions against illegal or excessive water extraction.

6.    Public Awareness

       --   Spread awareness about water scarcity and the importance of conservation.
       --   Involve communities, industries, and farmers in water-saving initiatives.
 

HWRA permission for groundwater drilling/boring is required for:

• Industrial Usage
• Mining Usage
• Infrastructural Usage
• Domestics water usage in Industrial Units

The Haryana Water Resources Authority (HWRA) has established detailed guidelines for the abstraction of groundwater for industrial use to ensure its sustainable management. These guidelines are primarily based on the categorization of administrative blocks (tehsils) into different groundwater zones: Over-exploited, Critical, Semi-critical, and Safe.

The key aspects of the HWRA guidelines for groundwater drilling and use for industrial purposes:

1.  Mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC)

All industries, regardless of their size, are required to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the HWRA before they can drill a bore well or extract groundwater. The application process is conducted online through the official HWRA portal.

2.  Restrictions Based on Groundwater Levels

The most significant factor in the HWRA's decision is the groundwater status of the area where the industry is located. The guidelines are stringent for stressed areas:
•    Over-exploited areas: Generally, no new NOCs are granted for groundwater abstraction for industrial use in these areas. However, an exception is made for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Even for them, NOCs may be limited to drinking/domestic use for the workforce and for green belt development.
•    Critical, Semi-critical, and Safe areas: NOCs for groundwater extraction may be granted in these areas, but the industries are subject to specific conditions and charges.

3.  Conditions for Granting NOC

When an NOC is issued, it comes with a set of specific conditions that the industry must adhere to:
•    No Alternative Water Source: An NOC is typically granted only if the local government water supply agencies are unable to provide the required quantity of water. The industry must provide proof of the non-availability or partial availability of an alternative water source.
•    Water Conservation and Efficiency: Industries are required to adopt the latest water-efficient technologies to reduce their dependence on groundwater.
•    Rainwater Harvesting and Recharge: All industries must implement rooftop rainwater harvesting and other artificial recharge measures on their premises. Industries that are likely to pollute groundwater (e.g., chemical, pharmaceutical, tannery) must store harvested rainwater in surface tanks for use in their operations to prevent contamination.
•    Installation of Piezometers and Water Meters: Industries abstracting more than 10 cubic meters per day of groundwater are required to install an observation well (piezometer) within their premises, at least 15 meters away from the borewell. They must also install a water meter to monitor and report water levels and consumption monthly through the HWRA web portal.
•    Water Audit: Industries abstracting a significant amount of groundwater (e.g., more than 100 cubic meters per day) are required to undertake a yearly water audit by certified auditors and submit reports to the HWRA. They may also be required to reduce their groundwater usage by a specified percentage over a set period.
 

The Haryana Water Resources Authority (HWRA) requires a comprehensive set of documents for its online application for groundwater extraction. The specific documents can vary slightly depending on whether the application is for industrial, infrastructure, or mining use, and if it's for an existing or a new project.

1.  General Applicant and Project Information

•    Identification Documents: Aadhar Card and PAN Card of the authorized signatory.
•    Proof of Land Ownership: This can be a land registration deed, a lease agreement, an industrial plot allotment letter, or an up-to-date valid lease deed duly registered, if the land is leased.
•    Business/Company Registration Documents:
     --   For industries, this may include the MSME registration number (UDYAM/Udyog Aadhar Memorandum), Factory Act Registration, or Certificate of Incorporation (CIN).
•    Site Plan/Location Details: A detailed site layout map showing the location of the proposed or existing bore well and the surrounding area.
•    Project Details: A project report outlining the purpose of groundwater use, a water balance chart, and a detailed description of the industrial/infrastructure process and water requirement at each stage.

2.  Water Availability and Quality report

•    Water Supply Denial Affidavit: A "Non-availability of water supply/water denial Affidavit" from the local government water supply agency (e.g., PHED, HSVP, or Municipal Corporation). This is a crucial document to prove that a public water source is not available to meet the project's water needs. The certificate should not be older than six months.
•    Groundwater Quality Test Report: A recent groundwater quality test report from a NABL-accredited laboratory for the existing or proposed bore well.

3.  Environmental and Regulatory Compliance

•    Consent to Operate (CTO) / Consent to Establish (CTE): A valid CTO from the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) for an existing project or a valid CTE for a new one, unless the industry falls under an exempted category.
•    Environmental Clearance (EC): If the project requires environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), the EC letter must be submitted.
•    NOC from Wetland Authority: If the project area falls within a 500-meter radius of a wetland zone, a No Objection Certificate and permission from the Wetland Authority are required.

4.  Technical and Audit Reports

•    Water Audit Report: For high-volume water users, a water audit report prepared by a certified auditor may be required as per HWRA rules.
•    Impact Assessment Report (IAR): For projects with significant water requirements (e.g., over 500 KLD), a detailed Impact Assessment Report, sometimes with groundwater modeling, must be submitted. This report must be prepared by a consultant with a valid accreditation certificate.
•    Rainwater Harvesting and Recharge Proposal: A comprehensive and feasible proposal for implementing rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge measures on the premises.

5.  Other Documents

•    Authorization Letter: An authorization letter from the company or organization authorizing the signatory to apply for the NOC on its behalf.
•    Affidavits: In cases where groundwater requirement is less than 10 m3/day, an affidavit on a non-judicial stamp paper regarding the non-availability of water supply from local government agencies may be accepted.
 

The cost of obtaining a Registration from the Haryana Water Resources Authority (HWRA) for groundwater extraction involves several components, including application fees, a security deposit, and recurring abstraction or restoration charges. The specific costs depend heavily on the type of user (e.g., industrial, infrastructure), the quantum of water required, and, most importantly, the groundwater category of the area (Safe, Semi-critical, Critical, or Over-exploited).

1.  Govt.  Fee

--  For Industrial use

The government fee for industrial use application is Rs.25,000 for 10 to 100 cum/day water extraction, Rs.50,000 for more than 100 but less than 500 cum/day of groundwater extraction, Rs.1,00,000 for more than 500 but less than 1000 cum/day and Rs.1,50,000 for daily water extraction of more than 1000 cum/day. For renewal, the application fee is half the applicable fee for a new NOC.

--  For infrastructure use

For a Government /PSU/Semi-Government applicant, the Government fee is Rs.50,000 and for others, the fee is Rs. 1,50,000. For renewal, the application fee is half of the application fee for a new NOC.

--  For mining use

The Government fee for a Direct user is Rs.1,50,000 and for an indirect User, it is Rs.75,000. The renewal fee is half of the applicable fee for a new NOC.

2. Groundwater Abstraction/Restoration Charges

This is the most significant and recurring cost. The HWRA imposes charges based on the quantity of water extracted. The rates are calculated per cubic meter (m3) and vary significantly based on the groundwater category of the area and the volume of water withdrawn.
•    Groundwater Abstraction Charges: These are levied on industries in Safe, Semi-critical, and Critical areas. The rates increase as the quantum of groundwater withdrawal increases and as the groundwater situation becomes more stressed. For example, an industry in a "Critical" area will pay a higher rate per cubic meter than one in a "Safe" area for the same amount of water.
•    Groundwater Restoration Charges: These are applied to existing industries and new permitted projects in Over-exploited areas. The rates are significantly higher than the abstraction charges to discourage water use in these highly stressed zones and to fund restoration efforts.
The specific rates are detailed in the HWRA's guidelines and tables. For example, as per some of the past guidelines, the per cubic meter charge for an industry could range from as low as ₹1 to over ₹100, depending on the factors mentioned above.

Other Potential Costs:

•    Late Fee: If an existing industry fails to apply for an NOC by the specified deadline, a substantial late fee (e.g., ₹1 lakh) may be imposed.
•    Environmental Compensation: The HWRA has the authority to impose heavy penalties and environmental compensation on industries that illegally extract groundwater without a valid NOC or violate the terms and conditions of their permit.
 

The Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority (PWRDA) is a statutory body established under the Punjab Water Resources (Regulation and Management) Act, 2020, to sustainably manage and regulate the state's water resources, particularly its groundwater, which is heavily exploited. The fees and charges are determined by the "Punjab Groundwater Extraction and Conservation Directions, 2023. The fees and charges are determined by the "Punjab Groundwater Extraction and Conservation Directions, 2023.

Key Functions and Objectives of PWRDA

Water Conservation
•    A core objective is to ensure exemplary water conservation through targeted measures for each user, with penalties or charges for non-compliance and the use of collected fees to fund conservation schemes.
 

Monitoring & Compliance
•    Regularly check groundwater levels and ensure that users comply with NOC conditions.
•    Take legal action and impose penalties for unauthorized water extraction.

Policy & Tariff Setting
•    Frame rules and tariffs for water usage by different sectors (industry, agriculture, domestic).
•    Ensure industries contribute to water conservation through charges or investments.
 

• The main objective of the Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority is to manage and control water usage in the state in order to accomplish long-term groundwater management that is balanced with the needs of people livelihoods.
• Water conservation will be compulsory for all groundwater users, with the goal of encouraging them to implement water conservation measures at their own expense that will assist the State in meeting its water conservation objective for each zone.
• If the Water Users are unable to implement water conservation measures in order to fulfil their target, they will not be provided water credits to that extent and will be required to pay the Authority this amount as part of his groundwater usage charges. A portion of the Groundwater Charges will be used by the Authority to undertake Water Conservation Schemes that will be framed by the Government and carried out by the Government's designated Departments or Public Agencies. The goal will be to ensure that enough water is conserved to satisfy the goals set for each user in the state.

The Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority (PWRDA) do not charge a single, fixed government fee for bore well permission. Instead, the cost is structured into multiple components, with the most significant being the recurring volumetric Groundwater Extraction Charges. The fees and charges are determined by the "Punjab Groundwater Extraction and Conservation Directions, 2023."

1. One-Time Application Fees

•    Application Fee: A non-refundable fee is charged for processing the application for a No Objection Certificate (NOC). This fee can vary based on the type of unit and the volume of water requested.
•    Tube-well Registration Fee: A separate fee is applicable for the registration of each existing or proposed tube-well on the premises. As per past guidelines, this has been around ₹2,000 per tube-well.

2. Volumetric Groundwater Extraction Charges

This is the main cost component and is calculated based on the actual volume of groundwater extracted. The rates are designed to be progressive and vary depending on two key factors:
•    Categorization of the Block: The PWRDA has classified all administrative blocks in Punjab into three categories based on the level of groundwater stress:
      --  Green Zone: Blocks with a low level of groundwater extraction.
      --  Yellow Zone: Blocks with a medium level of groundwater extraction.
      --  Orange Zone: Blocks with a high level of groundwater extraction (most stressed).
•    Volume of Water Extracted: The charges are applied on a slab basis, meaning the per cubic meter rate increases as the monthly consumption goes up.
According to the PWRDA's guidelines, the charges per cubic meter (m³) vary significantly:
      --  Green Zone: The rates can range from approximately ₹4 to ₹14 per cubic meter, depending on the volume of extraction.
      --  Yellow Zone: The rates can range from approximately ₹6 to ₹18 per cubic meter.
      --  Orange Zone: The rates can range from approximately ₹8 to ₹22 per cubic meter.
These rates are subject to change and are announced by the PWRDA through official notifications.

3.  Advance Payment and Security Deposit

When an application is submitted, users are required to pay an advance amount equivalent to a certain period's worth of estimated charges (e.g., two months' worth of charges). This amount serves as a security deposit and is adjusted against the monthly bills.

4. Penalties and Non-Compliance Charges

The PWRDA has a strict policy on non-compliance, which can result in heavy penalties:
•    Groundwater Compensation Charges (GCC): These are imposed on users who extract groundwater without a valid NOC. The rates are significantly higher than the standard volumetric charges.
•    Late Payment Charges: A penalty is levied on the outstanding amount if the monthly charges are not paid on time.

Exemptions from Charges

It is important to note that certain users are exempt from paying these charges:
•    Groundwater use for agriculture, drinking, and domestic purposes.
•    Government water supply schemes.
•    Military and Central Paramilitary Forces.
•    Religious places and charitable institutions.
•    Users extracting less than 300 cubic meters per month.

The documents required for applying for a Registration from the Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority (PWRDA) for groundwater boring permission include detailed business, property, and technical information. Here is an elaborated list of typical required documents:

Documents Required for PWRDA Application

1. Proof of Business Registration
•    Certificate of Incorporation or Partnership Deed or PAN card in case of sole proprietorship
•    GST registration Certificate (if applicable)

2. Land & Ownership Documents
•     Land ownership proof (Registry/sale deed/lease deed/Rent agreement
•    Land plan/site plan with geo-coordinates of the project and bore well points

3. Environment Clearances & Consents
•    Consent to Establish (CTE) or Consent to Operate (CTO) from Punjab Pollution Control Board (if applicable)
•    Environmental Clearance (EC)from SEIAA/MOEFC (if project falls under EIA Notification 2006)
•    Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP)

4. Govt fee Payment Proof
•    Evidence of Payment of application or regulatory fees required by PWRDA

The water policy in Punjab refers to a state-level framework and set of regulations aimed at the management, conservation, and sustainable use of Punjab's water resources, including surface water, groundwater, and irrigation systems. The policy is essentially a set of laws, regulations, institutional reforms, and action plans intended to shift the state's water usage from an unsustainable, extraction-heavy model to a sustainable, conservation-focused model.

Objectives of Punjab Water Policy

•    Regulate & Control Water Use: Ensure that groundwater and surface water are extracted and used in controlled and legal manner. Issue permissions and impose charges for large-scale groundwater extraction.
•    Water Conservation in Urban & Industrial Sectors: Make rainwater harvesting compulsory in housing colonies, industries, and institutions. Ensure industries use treated wastewater instead of fresh groundwater wherever possible.
•    Conservation Initiatives: It incorporates strict measures for groundwater conservation such as rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and promoting less water intensive crops and irrigation methods to reduce overexploitation
•    Economic and Social Goals: The policy balances agricultural productivity requirements industrial and domestic needs and environmental protection, promoting efficient water use technological and protection of water quality

The Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority (PWRDA) is a statutory body established under the Punjab Water Resources (Management and Regulation) Act, 2020. Its main role is to manage, regulate, and conserve the state's water resources to ensure their judicious, equitable, and sustainable utilization. This is particularly crucial for Punjab, a state facing severe groundwater depletion.

Key Roles of PWRDA

1.    Regulation of Groundwater Extraction

       --  Grant permissions / NOCs for groundwater withdrawal.
       --  Fix extraction limits and conditions for industries, commercial users, and institutions.
       --  Ensure that users above certain thresholds (e.g., >300 m³/month) are brought under regulation.

2.    Levying Groundwater Charges

        --  Impose Groundwater Extraction Charges (GEC) on non-exempt users.
        --  Differentiate charges by zone (over-exploited, semi-critical, safe areas).
        --  Use revenue for conservation and recharge schemes.

3.    Promoting water Conservation & Recharge

       --  Mandate rainwater harvesting and recharge structures.
       --  Promote efficient water use, recycling, and reuse.
       --  Fund and oversee groundwater recharge projects.

4.    Zoning & Monitoring

       --  Classify blocks/areas based on groundwater status (safe, semi-critical, critical, and over-exploited).
       --  Monitor groundwater levels and quality using meters, sensors, and field surveys.
       --  Collect extraction data from users through meters and reports.

5.    Enforcement & Compliance

       --  Take action against unauthorized or illegal groundwater extraction.
       --  Ensure mandatory installation of water meters for regulated users.
       --  Penalize defaulters who avoid registration, charges, or misuse water.

6.    Policy & Planning

       --  Frame directions and rules like the Punjab Groundwater Extraction and Conservation Directions, 2023.
       --  Prepare long-term strategies for water security in Punjab.
       --  Coordinate with Urban Local Bodies, Panchayat, and government departments.

7.    Awareness & Capacity Building

       --  Educate industries, farmers, and communities about water scarcity.
       --  Promote behavioral changes for water conservation.
       --  Encourage community participation in recharge and conservation schemes.
       --  Regulation and Enforcement
 

There are two categories of applications to UPGWD.

1.  Application for Registration of Bore Wells

2. Applications for Issuance of NOC for Bore Wells

Applications for Registration of Bore wells

1. In notified areas, new Boring Permissions are not allowed while for non-notified areas, 8A for NOC is required to be submitted by the applicant and then for registration of the bore well, apply Form 1A.
2. Submitting Form 1 B to UPGWD should be done by Existing users having valid CGWA NOC.
3. Applying to UPGWD with Form 8 B for both notified and non-notified areas for NOC  is needed for existing users who have Expired CGWA NOC but applied for renewal for the same to CGWA and then Form 1 A for Registration of Bore well.
4. Applying for NOC in Form 8 A for NOC is needed by all the existing users who have expired CGWA NOC and have not applied for renewal of the same and then Form 1 A for registration of bore well.

Applications for issuance of NOC for Bore wells

1. In Form 8 A for NOC, a new user is not allowed in notified area but can apply and then apply for Form 1 A for registration of bore well.
2. In Form 8 B, existing users with a valid CGWA NOC can apply to UPGWD for permission.
3. In Notified areas, an existing user with No Permission is not allowed but may apply for permission in Form 8 B for permission in non-notified areas.
4. Existing users may apply in Form 8 B, who have applied for CGWA NOC but have not received it yet.
5. By submitting Form 8 A for renewal of NOC, the existing users can file for the renewable and have an expired NOC and then apply Form 1 A for registration of Bore well.

1. CIN certificate of the private/public limited company
2. AOA /MOA
3. GST certificate
4. Company PAN Card
5. Adhaar card & PAN card of authorised person
6. State Pollution board certificate (CTE/CTO)
7. Electricity bill
8. Industrial area allotment letter/rent agreement
9. Layout plan/Naksha

In addition to the above stated documents, we would also require following information:

1. Diameter of boring
2. HP of pump / motor
3. Rooftop area in sq. ft
4. Open area in sq. ft
5. Paved area in sq. ft
6. Green area in sq. ft

The Government fee for UPGWD application is Rs.5000 / borewell. Besides, the applicant may have to spend some money for the following also:
1. Rain Water Harvesting Report
2. Water Level Diagram
3. Ground Water Laboratory Test Report
4. Hydrogeological Report
5. Impact Assessment Report 

Tyre EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility for tyres) is a policy that makes tyre manufacturers, importers, and recyclersresponsible for managing their products throughout their lifecycle. This includes the collection, recycling, and proper disposal of tyres once they are no longer usable to minimize environmental harm, such as pollution and landfill waste. The goal is to promote sustainability by ensuring that producers handle the environmental impacts of their products after use.
Under the Tyre EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) framework in India, which follows principles similar to those of the Plastic EPR, the entities required to obtain EPR Registration typically include:

Tyre Manufacturers:

Companies that manufacture tyres within India are required to register under the EPR framework.

Tyre Importers:

Businesses or entities that import tyres into India for sale or use must also obtain EPR registration. They are held accountable for managing the waste tyres they bring into the country.

Bulk Consumers:

Entities like large businesses, government organizations, and institutions that generate large amounts of tyres must ensure that their tyres are disposed of through registered recyclers or collection centers under the Tyre EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) framework.

Tyre Recyclers

A recycler is an entity that converts waste tyres into end products like reclaimed rubber, crumb rubber, CRMB (Crumb Rubber Modified Bitumen), recovered carbon black (RCB), pyrolysis oil, or char, in an environmentally sound manner, using facilities specified by regulations.

Tyre Retreaders

The business entities engaged in the activity of tyre retreading are also required to get Tyre EPR so that these entities could transfer the credits earned to the tyre manufacturrs & tyre importers

The applicability of Tyre EPR Rules is on the following type of entities:

1. Manufacturers of New Tyres
2. Importers of new tyres
3. Recyclers of tyre waste
4. Tyre retreaders