Ghaziabad Development Authority’s recent order to AOAs and residential societies asking them to seek permission from Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) before extracting groundwater has caused panic and confusion in societies.
Much of the confusion is rooted in the fact that borewells in most societies have existed before AOAs took over from developers. Borewells are the only source of water in societies, given the absence of sufficient Ganga jal supply.
Speaking to City Spidey, Pradeep Singh, AOA president of Mahagun Mansion Phase II, said their society had three borewells that were set up by the builder during construction. Singh further said the builder had handed over the society along with the necessary NOCs and documents to the AOA. “Since the builder had completed all the formalities, what is the point of getting permission for the borewells now? We have also sent a letter to GDA [Ghaziabad Development Authority] requesting for clarifications,” added Singh.
Mohit Dwivedi, president of Krishna Apra Garden AOA, said none of the AOAs had any experience in getting such permissions and clearances. “GDA must issue a set of guidelines to help residents,” added Dwivedi.
On being contacted about the issue, Dayanand Prasad, OSD of GDA, said the Authority was just carrying out orders issued by the district administration and National Greens Tribunal (NGT) and had no direct role to play in this. On being asked if the AOAs required NOCs for borewells installed by the builder, Prasad said GDA did not issue any kind of NOC to builders for setting up borewells. “According to NGT’s order, all such borewells require NOCs from the CGWA,” added Prasad.
Speaking to City Spidey, YB Kaushik, regional director of CGWB (UP), said the matter was being considered and would be discussed with NGT tomorrow.
However, NOC applications can be submitted online on the CGWA’s website (Check eligibility first and then applyfor NOC). The website also has a notice saying that the last date for submitting applications is May 31 and "any failure to submit applications by or before this date will render the concerned industry/project responsible for non-compliance of directions of Hon'ble NGT/CGWA".
