New Delhi: Authorities have identified 2,833 cases of illegal groundwater extraction across India, according to the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti.
The cases involve entities extracting groundwater without a valid No Objection Certificate (NOC) or exceeding the approved limits.
The data was shared in the Rajya Sabha by Union Minister for Jal Shakti C. R. Paatil in a written reply.
Officials said the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) regulates groundwater withdrawal in 19 states and Union Territories. In other regions, State Ground Water Authorities oversee groundwater regulation.
Illegal groundwater extraction cases mostly in industrial sector
Of the 2,833 identified cases, 2,370 belong to the industrial sector. Another 385 cases relate to infrastructure projects, while 78 involve the mining sector.
States such as Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra recorded a high number of violations.
Authorities said enforcement action is taken under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 when illegal groundwater extraction is detected.
As of February 15, 2026, the government has imposed environmental compensation of ₹2,017.97 crore and penalties of ₹121.06 crore in 10,049 cases.
Monitoring and safeguards to control groundwater use
The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) regularly monitors groundwater levels across the country.
Data from the past five years shows that about 85 to 90 percent of monitored wells recorded groundwater levels within 0–10 metres below ground level after the monsoon season.
Since 2022, the CGWB has been conducting annual assessments of the country’s dynamic groundwater resources with state governments.
Assessment units such as blocks, tehsils and mandals are categorised as over-exploited, critical, semi-critical or safe based on the stage of groundwater extraction.
The government has introduced several safeguards to control excessive groundwater use.
These include slab-based groundwater extraction charges, mandatory installation of water flow meters and periodic water audits for industries extracting more than 100 kilolitres per day.
New industries are not allowed to extract groundwater in over-exploited areas except for MSMEs.
Authorities are also promoting telemetry-enabled water flow meters for real-time monitoring of groundwater extraction.
The government has also launched the Bhu-Neer portal to automate the process of issuing NOCs for groundwater withdrawal.
Officials said the portal aims to improve transparency, streamline approvals and promote ease of doing business.
