Rapping the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) for failing to curb illegal extraction of groundwater, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Monday directed authorities to finalise a policy regarding the same.
Comprehensive planning and execution are of utmost priority to tackle the emergency situation, said a Bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel.
“We hardly appreciate the stand that the ‘matter is under consideration’. Accordingly, we direct that whatever is under consideration may be finalised at the earliest but not later than December 18,” said the Bench.
‘Notify policy’
The Union Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources has been asked to notify the policy within four weeks.
Stating that despite previous orders, the authorities have failed to curb groundwater extraction by industries and other stakeholders, the Bench added, “The tribunal has passed several orders prohibiting extraction of groundwater. No adequate steps have been taken for recharge of groundwater. Discharges from industries are ridiculous and beyond comprehension in over-exploited, critical and semi-critical areas.”
During the hearing, the green panel also suggested that treated sewage water be provided to agriculturists instead of potable water.
The suggestion came after the tribunal was informed that over 90% of groundwater extraction is done by agriculturists.
‘Viable alternative’
“Major part of the population is still in rural areas. Find a viable alternative by which agriculturists are not adversely affected and the limited resources of the country are also saved. You do not know what to do with sewage water. Why can’t you give them that instead of potable water?” it said.
In response to a submission that a fee is charged from industries extracting groundwater, the Bench said, “You cannot take money for committing offence and it is not deterrence. It has to be completely stopped. There cannot be a fee taken and permission given.”
“Approach of the Union India is very disappointing. This matter is pending for over five years now,” the Bench said, deferring the hearing to December 18.