Environment & Ecology·Environmental Laws
Groundwater Depletion — Environmental Laws
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Version 1Updated 9 Mar 2026
| Entry | Year | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A (Policy/Guidelines Update) | 2020 | The Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, issued revised guidelines for 'Ground Water Abstraction' in 2020. These guidelines replaced the earlier 2018 framework, aiming to streamline the process for obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for groundwater abstraction, particularly for industries, infrastructure projects, and bulk users. They introduced provisions for water conservation fees, mandatory water audits for certain categories, and incentives for using treated wastewater. | The revised guidelines sought to bring greater clarity, transparency, and accountability to groundwater regulation. They aimed to reduce the administrative burden while simultaneously promoting water conservation and efficient use. The introduction of water conservation fees was a significant step towards internalizing the cost of groundwater extraction and incentivizing sustainable practices, though implementation challenges persist. |
| N/A (Scheme Launch/Expansion) | 2019 | Launch of Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY) as a Central Sector Scheme with World Bank assistance. This scheme focuses on sustainable groundwater management in water-stressed areas of seven states (Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh). It emphasizes community participation and demand-side management through the preparation and implementation of Gram Panchayat-level Water Security Plans. | ABHY represents a paradigm shift from a purely supply-side approach to a demand-side, community-led management strategy. Its focus on behavioral change, data dissemination, and incentivizing states for improved groundwater management is crucial. The scheme aims to improve groundwater levels and ensure long-term sustainability in critical regions, marking a significant policy intervention. |