Telangana is preparing to restrict groundwater extraction for non-drinking purposes in areas where resources have been classified as critical, with a government order expected within a week, according to a groundwater department official quoted by the Times of India. The proposed restrictions are likely to include a ban on drilling new borewells and fines of between Rs 5,000 and Rs 1 lakh for illegal extraction.
The move is aimed at slowing the depletion of groundwater reserves and limiting non-essential consumption before water levels fall further. The restrictions will apply to establishments and activities that are identified in the government order, while the order is also expected to specify exemptions.
Urban areas are a particular concern because borewell water is used for several purposes beyond drinking, including activities that the government may classify as non-essential. The proposed controls come as Telangana faces concerns over unsustainable extraction and the prospect of increased water stress linked to El Niño conditions.
The state government plans to invoke Sections 9 and 10 of the Telangana Water, Land and Trees Act, 2002, to enforce the restrictions. Section 9 allows a designated officer, with the approval of the authority, to prohibit individuals, groups or private organisations from pumping groundwater in a particular area when extraction is likely to lower groundwater levels or damage natural resources or the environment.
A prohibition issued under Section 9 can remain in force for up to six months. It may be extended for additional periods of up to six months after a review. The provision also allows authorities to prohibit the construction of new wells in designated areas, giving the proposed borewell restrictions a statutory basis once the relevant areas and activities are notified.
Section 10 regulates the sinking of wells within 250 metres of public drinking water sources in areas covered by the provision. Prior permission from the designated authority is required, subject to specified exemptions. Even after permission is granted, the authority can later restrict or regulate groundwater extraction if it considers that action necessary in the public interest.
The forthcoming government order will determine how broadly the restrictions apply, which establishments are exempted and how enforcement will operate across critical groundwater areas. The groundwater department official said the order is likely to be issued within a week, after which violations may attract the proposed fines.
