Karnataka to introduce groundwater usage charges, NOCs now mandatory for all borewell installations

In a major step toward groundwater conservation, the Karnataka government has introduced a comprehensive regulatory framework imposing usage charges and mandating stricter compliance across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Charges will now range from Re 1 to Rs 35 per cubic metre depending on usage and the type of consumer.

Also read: Bengaluru: BWSSB bans borewell drilling amid groundwater crisis

The move affects all residential complexes, housing societies, commercial establishments, industries, and mining operations. Government water supply agencies and tanker operators will also fall under the new regime. Extraction up to 25 cubic metres daily remains exempt, while apartment complexes using 25–200 cubic metres will pay Re 1 per cubic metre, and those exceeding 200 cubic metres will pay Rs 2.

Industries and mining projects will be charged based on the groundwater status of the taluk—classified as safe, semi-critical, critical, or over-exploited. Existing projects that have fulfilled no-objection certificate (NOC) requirements, including groundwater recharge infrastructure, will receive a 50% concession.

NOCs are now mandatory for all borewell installations. The rules also extend to bulk water suppliers and tankers, which must comply with extraction limits set according to zone classification—150 cubic metres in safe zones, 100 in semi-critical or critical zones, and 50 in over-exploited areas.

To improve monitoring, digital water meters are compulsory for all borewells, while telemetry systems are mandated for apartments. Violations will attract fines between Rs 5,000 and Rs 2 lakh.

Funds collected will be directed toward groundwater recharge and conservation projects, reinforcing long-term water sustainability in the state.