At Real Enviro Solutions Pvt. Ltd., we help you secure approvals seamlessly so you can focus on growth.
What is CGWA?
CGWA stands for Central Ground Water Authority.
It is a regulatory body under the Government of India that manages and controls the extraction of groundwater to prevent overuse and ensure sustainability.
Why CGWA Approvals Are Needed
Legal Mandate: CGWA was constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, making approvals mandatory for groundwater extraction in many cases.
Sustainable Use: Approvals regulate extraction and prevent over-exploitation of groundwater.
Environmental Protection: Safeguards aquifers, maintains water quality, and ensures recharge measures are in place.
Regulatory Linkage: Essential for obtaining/renewing other clearances like Consent and Consolidate Authorization (CCA).
Who Needs a CGWA NOC?
A NOC is compulsory for entities drawing significant groundwater, such as:
Industries: Manufacturing units, packaged drinking water plants, processing units, etc.
Infrastructure Projects: Townships, commercial complexes, malls, hotels, hospitals, educational institutions, SEZs, STPs.
Mining Projects: Open-cast and underground mines, quarries, sand mining.
Water Supply Agencies: Public utilities like Jal Boards, PHEDs, Municipal Corporations, and Panchayat supply schemes.
Consequences of Not Having CGWA NOC
- Brand credibility may be compromised.
- Increased scrutiny from environmental bodies.
- Potential disputes with local authorities and communities.
- Loss of consumer trust and loyalty.
- Rejection in GPCB compliance; added cost for amendments.
- Possible fines or penalties from regulatory bodies.
- Disqualification from industry awards and certifications.
- IPO or equity deals may face compliance roadblocks.
- Drop in valuation and investor confidence.
- Supply chain disruptions due to halted operations.
- Non-compliance with CPCB, GPCB, and MoEFCC guidelines.
Who Is Exempted?
A NOC is not required for:
- Individual domestic consumers: For drinking water and household use.
- Armed Forces & CAPF establishments: For their water requirements.
- Residential Apartments & Group Housing Societies: For drinking and domestic use, up to 20 KL/day.
- EWS Housing Units: Dwelling units under Government schemes.
- Industries, mining, and infrastructure projects: If drawing water only for drinking/domestic purposes up to 5 KL/day.
- Rural drinking water supply schemes: Municipal and Panchayat-led initiatives.
- Micro & Small Enterprises: Extracting less than 10 KL/day.
Note: Exemptions may not apply in “Over-Exploited Assessment Areas,” where stricter rules are enforced.
Important Considerations
- Overexploited zones: Restrictions on new projects (with few exceptions).
- Annual reporting: Water audit reports are mandatory in most cases.
- Online only: Hard copies are not accepted — all filings must be done via the NOCAP portal.
Need a CGWA NOC?
Get it done without the delays.
At Real Enviro Solutions Pvt. Ltd., we simplify the entire groundwater extraction approval process — from site assessment to securing the final NOC — ensuring you stay compliant without losing time.
Why struggle with complex approvals when it can be seamless?
Let us handle the paperwork so you can focus on running your business.
Connect with us today and make compliance hassle-free.