Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about CGWA NOC — process, charges, validity, and compliances.
General — CGWA & NOC
What is CGWA?
The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) was constituted under Section 3(3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to regulate and control the development and management of groundwater resources across India.
What is NOC in groundwater?
NOC stands for No Objection Certificate awarded by CGWA to project proponents. After obtaining NOC from CGWA, one can withdraw groundwater for drinking, domestic, and commercial usage.
What is CGWA approval?
Industrial / Infrastructural / Mining Projects / Government Water Supply Agencies in Urban Areas — whether existing, new, or under expansion — that require groundwater must obtain NOC approval from CGWA.
Application Process
What are the charges for getting NOC from CGWA?
- ₹10,000 for Fresh NOC
- ₹5,000 for NOC Renewal
- ₹10,000 for NOC Revival
- Plus groundwater abstraction/restoration charges based on quantum and area category.
What documents are required for CGWA NOC?
- RWH / recharge proposal as per Model Building Bye Laws
- Completion certificate from concerned agency
- Water requirement details as per National Building Code
- Water availability / non-availability affidavit
- Impact assessment report (if dewatering involved)
How long does it take to get CGWA NOC?
Typically 30–90 days from date of complete application submission. Our team tracks and follows up proactively to expedite the process.
Can I apply for CGWA NOC online?
Yes. All applications are filed on the BhuNeer portal (cgwa-bhuneer.mowr.gov.in). The old NOCAP portal has been replaced by BhuNeer.
Validity & Renewal
What is the validity period of NOC from CGWA?
- Over-Exploited: 2 years
- Critical: 2–3 years
- Semi-Critical: 3–4 years
- Safe: 5 years
Renewal must be filed 90 days before expiry.
What happens if I don't renew my CGWA NOC on time?
Environment Compensation (EC) charges are levied for the period of non-compliance. Continued extraction without a valid NOC is a violation of the Environment (Protection) Act.
Jurisdiction & Coverage
Which states are regulated by CGWA?
Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, and UTs of A&N Islands, Daman Diu & DNH.
Which states are NOT regulated by CGWA?
Andhra Pradesh, NCT Delhi, UP, Punjab, Haryana, Goa, HP, J&K, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, West Bengal, and UTs of Chandigarh, Puducherry, Lakshadweep and Ladakh have their own state-level groundwater authorities.
What are groundwater abstraction charges?
Charges differ based on (1) total quantum of water to be abstracted, (2) assessment unit category (safe / semi-critical / critical / over-exploited), and (3) project type. Use the CGWA charges calculator for exact amounts.
Still Have Questions?
Our CGWA experts are available to answer your specific queries — free of charge.