Karnataka: Borewell water not free now, government introduced fee list
Karnataka: The Karnataka government has recently introduced new charges for groundwater extraction, which came into effect from July 2025. This is a significant policy shift aimed at regulating groundwater usage and promoting sustainability. Karnataka: borewell water not free now, government introduced fee list.
Borewell water fees and regulations in Karnataka:
New Groundwater Extraction Charges (Effective July 2025):
The charges vary based on the type of user, the volume of water extracted, and the groundwater category of the taluk (safe, semi-critical, critical, or over-exploited zones). Residential Users (Apartments and Group Housing Societies, and Government Water Supply Agencies in Urban Areas):
Up to 25 cubic meters (m³) per day: No charges.
25-200 cubic meters per day: Rs 1 per cubic meter.
Above 200 cubic meters per day: Rs 2 per cubic meter.
Industrial & Infrastructure Projects:
Safe Zone: Rs 1-5 per cubic meter.
Semi-Critical Zone: Rs 2-8 per cubic meter.
Critical Zone: Rs 4-10 per cubic meter.
Over-Exploited Zone: Rs 6-20 per cubic meter.
Mining Projects:
Safe Zone: Rs 1-3 per cubic meter.
Semi-Critical Zone: Rs 2-4 per cubic meter.
Critical Zone: Rs 3-6 per cubic meter.
Over-Exploited Zone: Rs 4-7 per cubic meter.
1.Bulk Water Suppliers (Tankers):
New extraction caps have been imposed: 150 m³ per day in safe zones, 100 m³ in semi-critical and critical zones, and 50 m³ in over-exploited taluks. Charges will apply based on these limits.
2. Mandatory No-Objection Certificate (NOC) and Registration:
New Borewells: It is mandatory to obtain a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Karnataka Ground Water Authority (KGWA) before digging a new borewell.
Application Fee for new borewells: Rs 500 per borewell, plus Rs 3000 as survey charges for both domestic and commercial purposes.
For drinking or agriculture purposes, use Form-1A. For industrial, commercial, or entertainment use, use Form-1B.
Existing Borewells: All existing borewells, regardless of their age, must be registered with the KGWA.
Registration Fee for existing borewells: Rs 50 for drinking and agricultural use, and Rs 500 for industrial, commercial, entertainment, or other purposes.
Existing users must apply for registration using Form-4.
Drilling Agencies: All borewell drilling agencies must also be registered with the KGWA. The registration fee for drilling agencies is Rs 5,000 per drilling rig, valid for two years.
Digital Water Flow Meters: All apartment complexes and individual houses with borewells are now required to install digital water flow meters. Telemetry systems are mandatory for apartments.
3. Penalties for Non-Compliance:
Violations of the new norms will attract penalties ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 2 lakh, depending on consumption levels.
Non-registration of old borewells with penalty can invite additional environmental compensation charges.
Anyone who drills a well without a permit or obstructs the authority may face a fine of up to Rs 5,000, imprisonment for up to 6 months, or both. Continuing violations can lead to an additional fine of Rs 100 per day.
4. Where to Apply/Register:
For individual homeowners in BBMP limits, permission for borewells generally involves the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB).
For large establishments (apartments, commercial buildings, industries, etc.), approval from the Karnataka Ground Water Authority (KGWA) is required. Applications can be made online through the Karnataka Ground Water Authority web portal.
Purpose of the Charges and Regulations:
The revenue collected from these groundwater usage charges will be directed towards groundwater recharge and conservation projects. The primary goal of these new rules is to ensure the long-term sustainability of the state’s vital groundwater resources and prevent over-exploitation, which has led to declining water tables in many areas of Karnataka.
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