The development of ground water in different areas of the country has not been uniform. Highly intensive development of ground water in certain areas for irrigation, drinking, domestic & industrial uses in the country has resulted in over-exploitation leading to long term decline in ground water levels, and under certain situations deterioration in the quality of ground water.
As per the ground water resource estimates of 2004, out of 5723 assessed units (Blocks, Mandals, Taluks, Districts), 839 over-exploited units, 226 critical units, and 550 semi-critical units have been identified across the country by Central Ground Water Board. So far 43 areas have been notified by CGWA for the purpose of regulation of ground water development.
Therefore, prior NOC from CGWA has to be obtained before construction of any ground water abstraction structure viz. tube wells, dug wells, bore wells, etc.