CGWA NOC in Assam: Complete 2026 Guide for Industries via Bhu-Neer Portal

Assam anchors India's North-East economy — the refineries of Numaligarh, Bongaigaon and Digboi, the tea-processing belt of Upper Assam, paper and plywood industries, and the fast-growing manufacturing and services base around Guwahati. Despite the region's high rainfall, industry relies heavily on groundwater. Assam is a CGWA-regulated state, so groundwater NOC applications are filed on the national Bhu-Neer portal (cgwa-bhuneer.mowr.gov.in).

This guide covers who needs a CGWA NOC in Assam and the full process, documents, fees and the water-quality diligence the region demands.

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Who Needs a CGWA NOC in Assam?

• Refineries and petrochemical units at Numaligarh, Bongaigaon and Digboi
• Tea-processing factories across Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Jorhat and Sonitpur
• Paper, plywood, cement and food-processing units
• Manufacturing, IT and commercial projects around Guwahati and the industrial estates
• Hotels, hospitals, townships, packaged-water units and construction projects

High Rainfall, But Real Water-Quality Issues

Assam receives abundant rainfall and its Brahmaputra-valley alluvial aquifers are productive — but groundwater here often carries elevated iron and, in several belts, arsenic and fluoride. That makes a NABL water-quality report essential, both for CGWA compliance and to design appropriate treatment for process use. CGWA scrutiny focuses on demand justification, recharge (well-suited to the high-rainfall setting) and, for larger users, metering and telemetry. Flood-prone siting also calls for sensible borewell design.

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How to Apply for a CGWA NOC in Assam — Step by Step

Step 1 — Register on Bhu-Neer

Create your entity account at cgwa-bhuneer.mowr.gov.in with PAN, GST/CIN and authorised-signatory details.

Step 2 — Hydrogeological Report & Water-Quality Test

Engage a CGWA-accredited professional for the report and obtain a NABL water-quality test screening for iron, arsenic and fluoride.

Step 3 — Compile Documents and Fill the Form

Select the category (Industry / Infrastructure / Mining), enter your KLD demand and attach KYC, land, PCBA consent and technical documents.

Step 4 — Pay and Submit

Pay the ₹10,000 processing fee and submit for CGWA scrutiny.

Step 5 — Clear Queries and Download the NOC

Respond to portal queries or site inspection; on approval, download the Permission Letter with conditions.

Documents Required

• PAN, GST, incorporation and authorisation letter
• Land ownership / lease and site plan with coordinates
• Hydrogeological report by a CGWA-accredited professional
• NABL water-quality report (iron / arsenic / fluoride) and demand justification
• Pollution Control Board Assam (PCBA) consent — CTE / CTO
• Recharge / rainwater-harvesting plan (well-suited to Assam's rainfall)
• Environmental Clearance where applicable; prior NOC for renewals

Fees, Validity & Compliance

Central fees apply: ₹10,000 fresh, ₹5,000 renewal, ₹10,000 revival, plus annual abstraction charges by category and volume. Validity is typically up to 5 years in Safe/Semi-Critical units, which cover much of Assam, and shorter where a unit is stressed. Compliance includes digital flow meters, telemetry for larger draws, level monitoring, recharge and an annual report on Bhu-Neer.

Assam and the National System

Assam follows the mechanics in our Bhu-Neer step-by-step guide and complete CGWA NOC guide. As the gateway to the North-East, its process is representative of the CGWA route across the region. Compare with other CGWA states such as Bihar.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Assam under CGWA or a state authority?

Assam is a CGWA-regulated state. Groundwater NOCs are issued by the Central Ground Water Authority through the Bhu-Neer portal.

2. Which portal is used for a groundwater NOC in Assam?

The national Bhu-Neer portal at cgwa-bhuneer.mowr.gov.in.

3. Do tea-processing factories in Assam need a CGWA NOC?

Yes. Tea-processing, refinery, paper and food units drawing groundwater above the prescribed threshold must obtain a CGWA NOC on Bhu-Neer.

4. Why is a water-quality test important in Assam?

Assam's groundwater often carries elevated iron, and several belts have arsenic and fluoride, so a NABL water-quality report is important for CGWA compliance and treatment design.

5. How long does a CGWA NOC take in Assam?

Typically 45 to 90 days for a complete application, and longer for large industrial demand requiring additional scrutiny.

Need a CGWA NOC in Assam?

Bhoojal Survey prepares hydrogeological assessments and water-quality diligence and manages full Bhu-Neer submissions for tea, refinery, paper and manufacturing units across Guwahati, Bongaigaon, Numaligarh, Tinsukia and Dibrugarh. Call +91-9691858058 or request a free eligibility check.