Groundwater NOC in West Bengal (SWID): Complete 2026 Guide for Industries

West Bengal does not route groundwater permissions through CGWA. The state has its own law — the West Bengal Ground Water Resources (Management, Control and Regulation) Act, 2005 — implemented by the State Water Investigation Directorate (SWID) under the Water Resources Investigation and Development Department. Industrial permits are applied for online through the state's single-window portal, SilpaSathi. So a factory in Howrah, a plant in Durgapur, or a unit in the Haldia industrial belt applies to SWID via SilpaSathi, not to CGWA.

This guide explains SWID's framework, the extraction thresholds that trigger higher-level approval, and the process, documents and timelines for industries.

---

Who Is SWID and Why Not CGWA?

The State Water Investigation Directorate administers the West Bengal Ground Water Resources Act, 2005 (rules effective from 2006) through a three-tier structure — District, Corporation and State Level Authorities. Because West Bengal has its own legislation and authority, CGWA does not issue groundwater NOCs in the state. Applications for permits to sink tubewells and extract groundwater for industrial and commercial use are made online through SilpaSathi, the state's single-window clearance system, and processed by SWID.

Who Needs a SWID Permit in West Bengal?

• Industries in Howrah, Hooghly, and the Durgapur-Asansol industrial belt
• Chemical, petrochemical and manufacturing units in the Haldia industrial area
• Food-processing, jute, engineering and pharma units statewide
• IT parks, commercial complexes, hotels, hospitals and townships in Kolkata and New Town
• Packaged-water, bottling and bulk-supply units

Thresholds & Timelines Under the WB Act

The Act sets extraction thresholds that determine the level of scrutiny. For industrial use above a defined rate (broadly, extraction exceeding 50 cubic metres per hour), the District Level Authority forwards the application — within 30 days — to the State Level Authority with its recommendation, and the State Level Authority is expected to dispose of the industrial application within 21 days of receipt. A Detailed Project Report stating water demand, proposed groundwater withdrawal and the volume met by piped/surface water is central to the file.

---

How to Apply for a SWID Groundwater Permit — Step by Step

Step 1 — Register on SilpaSathi

Create your enterprise account on the SilpaSathi single-window portal and select the groundwater extraction permit service under Water Resources (SWID).

Step 2 — Prepare the Detailed Project Report

Compile a DPR covering water demand, proposed groundwater withdrawal, alternative (piped/surface) supply and a hydrogeological assessment of the aquifer.

Step 3 — Submit the Application & Documents

Upload KYC, land, pollution-board and technical documents and submit online; the application is routed to the District Level Authority.

Step 4 — District & State Level Scrutiny

For higher-volume industrial use, the District Level Authority forwards the file to the State Level Authority, which decides within the prescribed window.

Step 5 — Grant of Permit

On approval, the permit is issued with extraction and recharge conditions; renew before expiry and maintain the required reporting.

Documents Required

• Entity KYC — PAN, GST, incorporation / registration and authorisation
• Land ownership / lease documents and site plan
• Detailed Project Report with water demand and withdrawal figures
• Hydrogeological assessment of the source
• Rainwater harvesting / recharge plan
• West Bengal Pollution Control Board consent, where applicable

Fees, Validity & Compliance

SWID permit fees vary by category and extraction volume; the permit is time-bound and must be renewed before expiry. Conditions typically require metering, recharge measures and periodic reporting. Because SWID processes applications through SilpaSathi, always confirm the current checklist, timelines and fees on the state single-window portal.

West Bengal vs the National System

West Bengal's SWID route is separate from the central Bhu-Neer system — see our Bhu-Neer application guide if you also operate in CGWA states. Compare neighbouring CGWA states like Madhya Pradesh, or read the complete CGWA NOC guide.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is CGWA NOC required in West Bengal?

No. West Bengal regulates groundwater under its own 2005 Act through the State Water Investigation Directorate (SWID). Industrial permits are filed on the SilpaSathi single-window portal, not via CGWA.

2. Which portal is used for a groundwater permit in West Bengal?

The SilpaSathi single-window portal, through which SWID processes groundwater extraction applications.

3. What is the threshold for State Level scrutiny?

Broadly, industrial extraction above about 50 cubic metres per hour is forwarded by the District Level Authority to the State Level Authority, which decides within the prescribed timeline.

4. Do industries in Haldia and Durgapur need a SWID permit?

Yes. Industrial units drawing groundwater in Haldia, Durgapur, Howrah and elsewhere in West Bengal must obtain a SWID permit through SilpaSathi.

5. What is the key document for a SWID application?

A Detailed Project Report stating water demand, proposed groundwater withdrawal and the volume to be met from piped or surface water, supported by a hydrogeological assessment.

Need a SWID Groundwater Permit in West Bengal?

Bhoojal Survey prepares detailed project reports and hydrogeological assessments and manages SWID applications on SilpaSathi for industries across Kolkata, Howrah, Durgapur and Haldia. Call +91-9691858058 or request a free eligibility check.