Water being a State subject, steps for augmentation, conservation and efficient management of water resources are primarily undertaken by the respective State Governments. In order to supplement the efforts of the State Governments, Central Government provides technical and financial assistance to them through various schemes and programmes.

Central Government has formulated the National Water Policy 2012 (NWP-2012). The NWP-2012 contains Section 7 on “Water pricing” with provisions like pricing of water for ensuring its efficient use and reward conservation arrived at through independent statutory Water Regulatory Authority set up by each State; incentivization of recycle and reuse of water through a properly planned tariff system; differential pricing for various uses of water; regulating the use of electricity to minimize over-drawal of groundwater; statutory powers to collect and retain a portion of water charges to Water Users Associations. NWP-2012 also contains provisions regarding de-salinization as a method for augmenting utilizable water resources.

Ministry of Jal Shakti has notified the latest guidelines for control and regulation of groundwater extraction with pan-India applicability on 24^th September, 2020. The notified guidelines for regulation of ground water includes the withdrawal by industrial, infrastructure and mining projects. The guidelines prescribe groundwater Abstraction/Restoration charges. The rates of these charges increase as per quantum of groundwater extraction, as well as category of Assessment Unit. Rates (Rs per m³) of Ground Water Abstraction/ Restoration Charges in respect of Industries as per Ministry of Jal Shakti Guidelines dated 24.09.2020 are given below.

*Abstraction Charges; ** Restoration Charges - (Rs per m³)

 

This information was given by the Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri Bishweswar Tudu in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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AS

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