Groundwater NOC in Andhra Pradesh (WALTA): Complete 2026 Guide for Industries

Andhra Pradesh is another state where the Central Ground Water Authority does not apply. The state regulates groundwater under the Water, Land and Trees Act (WALTA), 2002, administered by the Andhra Pradesh Ground Water Department. So whether your project is a manufacturing unit in Sri City, a plant in the Visakhapatnam industrial belt, an electronics facility near Tirupati, or a port-linked industry in Kakinada, groundwater permission comes from the state — not from CGWA.

This guide explains AP's WALTA framework, who must apply, and the process, documents and compliance for industries and bulk users.

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Who Regulates Groundwater in Andhra Pradesh?

The Andhra Pradesh Ground Water Department administers WALTA, 2002, which governs the sinking of wells and extraction of groundwater, including well registration, minimum spacing from existing public sources, and protection of drinking-water supplies. Because AP has its own legislation and department, CGWA does not issue groundwater NOCs in the state. Industrial, commercial and infrastructure users apply to the state department for permission.

Who Needs a Groundwater NOC in Andhra Pradesh?

• Manufacturing units in Sri City, Naidupeta and the Chittoor-Tirupati electronics belt
• Pharma, steel and port-linked industries in Visakhapatnam and Kakinada
• Food-processing, aqua-processing and cement units across coastal and Rayalaseema districts
• Real-estate, township and infrastructure projects drawing groundwater
• Hotels, hospitals, educational institutions and packaged-water units

WALTA in Practice: Registration, Spacing & Assessment

Under WALTA, non-domestic users must obtain permission to sink wells and extract groundwater, observe spacing/distance norms from public drinking-water sources, and register wells. In over-exploited and notified mandals — including parts of drought-prone Rayalaseema — permissions are tighter and recharge measures are expected. A hydrogeological assessment strengthens applications for sizeable industrial demand, particularly in the hard-rock terrain that dominates much of the state.

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How to Apply for a Groundwater NOC in Andhra Pradesh — Step by Step

Step 1 — Apply to the AP Ground Water Department

Submit your application for well registration / groundwater permission through the applicable state e-service, with entity and project details.

Step 2 — Hydrogeological Assessment

Commission a hydrogeological report with a resistivity survey for hard-rock areas, establishing aquifer feasibility and a realistic safe yield.

Step 3 — Compile Documents & Recharge Plan

Attach KYC, land, pollution-board consent and a rainwater-harvesting / recharge plan along with the technical report.

Step 4 — Departmental Scrutiny

The department verifies spacing norms, source protection and aquifer capacity, and may inspect the site.

Step 5 — Grant of Permission

On approval, the permission is issued with conditions; renew before expiry and maintain recharge and monitoring obligations.

Documents Required

• Entity KYC — PAN, GST, incorporation / registration and authorisation
• Land ownership / lease documents and site plan with coordinates
• Hydrogeological assessment / feasibility report for industrial demand
• Rainwater harvesting / recharge plan
• AP Pollution Control Board consent, where applicable
• Details of existing wells and their spacing from public sources

Fees, Validity & Compliance

The AP Ground Water Department levies registration and permission fees that vary by user category and demand; confirm the current schedule with the department, as WALTA rules are revised periodically. Permissions are time-bound and must be renewed before expiry, and users are expected to maintain rainwater harvesting and honour spacing and source-protection conditions.

Andhra Pradesh vs the National System

AP's WALTA route is separate from the central Bhu-Neer system — see our Bhu-Neer application guide for CGWA states. Compare with neighbouring Telangana (also WALTA) and Karnataka, or read the complete CGWA NOC guide.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is CGWA NOC applicable in Andhra Pradesh?

No. Andhra Pradesh regulates groundwater under its own law, WALTA 2002, through the AP Ground Water Department. CGWA does not issue groundwater NOCs in the state.

2. What law governs groundwater in Andhra Pradesh?

The Water, Land and Trees Act (WALTA), 2002, which regulates the sinking of wells, groundwater extraction, well registration and source protection.

3. Do units in Sri City and Visakhapatnam need a groundwater NOC?

Yes. Industrial units drawing groundwater in Sri City, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada and the Tirupati belt must obtain permission from the AP Ground Water Department under WALTA.

4. Is well registration required in Andhra Pradesh?

Yes. WALTA requires registration of wells and observance of spacing/distance norms from existing public drinking-water sources.

5. Which authority do I apply to in Andhra Pradesh?

The Andhra Pradesh Ground Water Department (state), not CGWA, supported by a hydrogeological assessment and a recharge plan for industrial demand.

Need a Groundwater NOC in Andhra Pradesh?

Bhoojal Survey prepares hydrogeological assessments and manages state groundwater permissions for industries and projects across Visakhapatnam, Sri City, Tirupati, Nellore and Kakinada. Call +91-9691858058 or request a free eligibility check.