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

Maharashtra is one of India's largest industrial economies — MIDC estates from Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad to Nagpur, Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), Tarapur and Nanded run on reliable water. Where that water comes from a borewell, you need a groundwater NOC. In Maharashtra, industrial, infrastructure and mining NOCs are processed by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) through the national Bhu-Neer portal, while the state's own Groundwater Surveys and Development Agency (GSDA) handles groundwater assessment and management.

This guide explains exactly how to obtain a CGWA NOC in Maharashtra — the process, the documents, the fees, and the hard-rock hydrogeology that makes Maharashtra applications distinctive.

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CGWA and GSDA: Who Does What in Maharashtra?

Maharashtra has its own groundwater legislation and a strong state agency, GSDA, renowned for groundwater work in the Deccan-trap basalt terrain. In practice, however, the NOC for groundwater withdrawal by industries and projects is issued by CGWA — a requirement in force for all industries/projects using groundwater since late 2015, now delivered through the Bhu-Neer portal. GSDA carries out state-level survey, assessment and monitoring. So the answer to "GSDA or CGWA?" for an industrial NOC is: apply to CGWA on Bhu-Neer, while your technical work reflects GSDA-style assessment of the local aquifer.

Who Needs a CGWA NOC in Maharashtra?

• Manufacturing units across MIDC estates — Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Chakan, Ranjangaon, Nashik, Nagpur (Butibori/MIHAN), Aurangabad (Shendra-Bidkin), Tarapur
• Infrastructure, township and real-estate projects drawing groundwater
• Mining and quarrying projects with dewatering — regardless of volume
• Hotels, hospitals, malls, IT parks and data centres
• Sugar, distillery, food-processing, pharma and auto-component units

Deccan Trap Hydrogeology: Why Maharashtra Reports Are Different

Most of Maharashtra sits on hard basaltic (Deccan trap) rock, where groundwater occupies weathered and fractured zones rather than thick sandy aquifers. Yields are localised and variable, so your hydrogeological report must be grounded in a proper geophysical (resistivity) survey and honest safe-yield estimation. Over-optimistic yield claims are a frequent cause of CGWA queries. In Over-Exploited and Critical assessment units — found in parts of the state — CGWA restricts fresh groundwater for new projects and mandates recharge measures.

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How to Apply for a CGWA NOC in Maharashtra — 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 — Commission the Hydrogeological Report

Engage a CGWA-accredited professional to run a resistivity survey and prepare the report — aquifer characterisation in basalt, existing/proposed borewell details, water levels, safe yield and a recharge plan.

Step 3 — Assemble Documents and Apply

Choose the category (Industry / Infrastructure / Mining), fill your KLD demand, and upload the report plus KYC, land, MPCB consent and water-quality documents.

Step 4 — Pay and Submit

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

Step 5 — Scrutiny, Queries & Grant

Respond to portal queries and any site inspection; on approval, download the digitally signed Permission Letter with your sanctioned quantum and conditions.

Documents Required

• PAN, GST, incorporation and board resolution / authorisation
• Land ownership / lease and site plan with coordinates
• Hydrogeological report (with resistivity survey) by a CGWA-accredited professional
• NABL water-quality report and water-demand justification
• Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) consent — CTE / CTO
• Recharge / rainwater-harvesting plan (mandatory in stressed units)
• Environmental Clearance where applicable; prior NOC for renewals

Fees, Validity & Compliance

The central fee structure applies: ₹10,000 fresh, ₹5,000 renewal, ₹10,000 revival, plus annual abstraction charges by category and volume. Validity runs 2 years in Over-Exploited/Critical units and up to 5 years in Semi-Critical/Safe units. Post-NOC you must fit digital flow meters (telemetry for larger draws), monitor levels, implement recharge and file an annual compliance report on Bhu-Neer.

Maharashtra in the National Picture

Because Maharashtra uses the central portal, the mechanics mirror our Bhu-Neer step-by-step guide and the wider complete CGWA NOC guide. Neighbouring industrial states differ — see Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, both also on Bhu-Neer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is CGWA NOC required in Maharashtra, or is it GSDA?

For industries and projects, the groundwater withdrawal NOC is issued by CGWA through the Bhu-Neer portal. GSDA is Maharashtra's state groundwater agency for survey, assessment and monitoring.

2. Which portal do I use for a CGWA NOC in Maharashtra?

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

3. How long does a CGWA NOC take in Maharashtra?

Typically 45 to 90 days for a complete application, longer in Over-Exploited units where recharge conditions and additional scrutiny apply.

4. Do MIDC units in Pune and Nagpur need a CGWA NOC?

Yes, if they draw groundwater above the prescribed threshold. Units in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Nagpur, Nashik and Aurangabad MIDC estates apply to CGWA on Bhu-Neer.

5. Why is a resistivity survey important for Maharashtra applications?

Maharashtra's Deccan-trap basalt has localised, fracture-controlled groundwater, so a geophysical resistivity survey is essential to justify a realistic safe yield and avoid CGWA queries.

Need a CGWA NOC in Maharashtra?

Bhoojal Survey delivers accredited resistivity surveys and hydrogeological reports tuned to Deccan-trap conditions, and manages the full Bhu-Neer application for industries across Pune, Nagpur, Nashik and Aurangabad. Call +91-9691858058 or request a free eligibility check.