NGT quashes Raj groundwater guidelines

Jaipur: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has quashed Rajasthan govt’s 2025 groundwater regulation guidelines, holding that they were not in consonance with the framework issued by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) under the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti.

The Central Zone Bench observed that the state issued its “Guidelines for Ground Water Regulation in the State of Rajasthan” in Feb 2025 without prior consultation with CGWA and without aligning them with central norms related to groundwater extraction and conservation. During the hearing, the Rajasthan govt informed the tribunal that the notifications issued on Feb 5 and Feb 10, 2025, had already been withdrawn.

The matter came up before the tribunal in an appeal challenging provisions in the Rajasthan guidelines that allegedly diluted restrictions on groundwater extraction. The CGWA argued that the state framework provided additional exemptions to govt drinking water supply schemes which were not in line with central regulations.

The tribunal noted that declining groundwater levels remain a major concern in Rajasthan and several other states, particularly in over-exploited, critical and semi-critical areas. Referring to national data, the bench observed that India accounts for nearly 25% of global groundwater extraction while states such as Rajasthan continue to face severe groundwater stress.

The order reiterated that illegal extraction of groundwater is a criminal offence under the Environment Protection Act and said compensation should be recovered under the “Polluter Pays” principle. It also directed authorities to strengthen action against unauthorised borewells and illegal groundwater withdrawal.

The tribunal further stressed stricter monitoring of industries, mining and infrastructure projects dependent on groundwater. It observed that new water-intensive industries should not be allowed in over-exploited areas and warned that violations should invite closure, prosecution and environmental compensation.

The order also highlighted the need for rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge systems and monitoring through piezometers to ensure sustainable groundwater use.

Allowing the appeal, the tribunal held that Rajasthan’s groundwater notifications were inconsistent with guidelines issued by the Ministry of Jal Shakti and CGWA and therefore stood quashed and set aside.