GROUNDWATER EXTRACTION REGULATIONS
India wants more factories, fabs and data centres. Where will the water come from?
India's ambition to become a developed nation by 2047 is constrained by growing water resource challenges. Industries across sectors, including thermal power and semiconductor manufacturing, face water scarcity issues that could hinder growth. Many regions are already experiencing severe water stress, impacting economic development plans drastically. Adopting recycling and reuse technologies will be crucial for managing water in industries effectively.
Kabul water crisis: Afghan capital edges towards 'day zero' as boreholes dry, drought bites and aid stays frozen
Kabul faces a severe water crisis as aquifers deplete faster than they can be replenished. The population growth has resulted in excessive groundwater extraction from unregulated borewells. Many residents now rely on expensive water from private tankers due to limited piped water access. Contaminated groundwater exacerbates the situation, leaving residents with a lack of safe water.
Assam cabinet approves Green Cess policy, free bicycles for Class IX students
Assam's cabinet approved a Green Cess Policy for sustainable development and resource regulation. The state will also conduct Khel Maharan 3.0, focusing on young athletes' development. Qualifying service for promotions and age limits for ex-servicemen have been relaxed. Free bicycles will be distributed to Class IX students during the next fiscal year. These decisions aim to foster growth and support various sectors within Assam.
Just Join the Paani Points: India’s data centre boom puts water use and local security under scrutiny
Data centres' rapid expansion raises concerns about water stress in Indian cities. Existing regulations struggle to manage the sector's significant water consumption effectively. Improved monitoring and technology are needed to verify water usage and compliance. Harmonizing state-level reuse rules will ensure consistent water management practices. Transparent reporting frameworks are crucial for tracking the cumulative resource impact of data centres.
India accounts for 25% of global groundwater use, says committee, flags over-extraction
India faces a critical challenge with excessive groundwater extraction, contributing 25 percent to global withdrawals. A parliamentary committee has urged the Jal Shakti Ministry to act. States are urged to implement stringent measures to curb over-extraction. Recent assessments show some improvement, but sustained efforts are vital for long-term water security.
No concerns over data centres' water use, advanced tech cuts consumption: MeitY
The Indian government has received no complaints about data centres using too much water. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has not reported any issues. The data centre industry is using advanced cooling systems to save water and energy. New technologies are improving water efficiency. The government is supporting data centre growth to boost digital infrastructure.
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How India can fix its rapidly expanding water problem
India faces worsening water crises due to reduced river flows and falling water tables, exacerbated by climate change. The government's focus on tap water connections needs to shift towards holistic water management, including aquifer health. Experts recommend rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation, groundwater regulation, technology integration, and inter-state collaboration to ensure sustainable water resources.

The Hidden Toll: The high price of entertainment on water resources revealed in stadium water usage
A report by India's Jal Shakti ministry has found that 20 of the 26 stadiums examined were using borewells/tube wells to extract groundwater illegally for irrigation. The Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi was among the out-of-compliance facilities. The venues must implement rainwater harvesting systems and use treated water from sewage treatment plants. 22 of the 26 stadiums observed were given three months to become compliant with water usage norms and regulations that cover groundwater extraction, and strict standards apply to cricket venues.

Punjab Pollution Control Board fines beverage factory Rs 99.71 lakh for illegal groundwater extraction
During the raid, the team found several discrepancies, including illegal extraction of groundwater and non-compliance with pollution control regulations, they said. Following the discovery of these violations, the PPCB issued a notice to the factory, which supplies packaged drinking water and soda, imposing a penalty of Rs 99,71,200 for the environmental damage caused by its operations, they added.

SC stays NGT order imposing penalty of over Rs 15 crore on Coca-Cola's bottling unit
The top court was hearing an appeal filed by Moon Beverages Ltd challenging NGT's order imposing an environmental compensation of Rs 1.85 crore on Moon Beverages Ltd located at Greater Noida, Rs 13.24 crore on Moon Beverage Ltd's Sahibabad unit, and Rs 9.71 crore on Varun Beverages Ltd's Greater Noida unit.

Water conservation fee likely on residential complexes, industry
The environment ministry considers a 'water conservation fee' on residential and commercial complexes, submits a report to the NGT.

Centre's notification on groundwater has serious flaws, not to be given effect: NGT
Fast depletion of groundwater in recent years is a "cause of concern for human well being", NGT said

Across India, high levels of toxins in groundwater
Apart from nitrate contamination, the presence of fluoride, iron, arsenic and heavy metals has also touched worrying levels.

Stop excessive water extraction from Ganga floodplains: NGT
A bench headed by NGT Chairperson said the water which is being diverted into the various canals should be regulated so as to help maintain a minimum flow of the river.

Experts suggest water labels for food items so consumers can make more sustainable choices
Some now suggest that producers should consider adding water labels to help consumers make more sustainable choices about their food.

Here's reason behind depleting groundwater
Growing food consumption across the globe and efforts by governments to boost agricultural trade in order to improve incomes of farmers has put increasing pressure on groundwater sources.

Unchecked groundwater use to put Bengaluru in dire straits
According to the Central Ground Water Board, the net available groundwater in Bengaluru Urban -the water that can be extracted without using static resources (stagnant water table) - is estimated to be around 1,67,690 million litres per year. But what is worrying is the yearly increment in the rate of consumption of groundwater which is about 7%.

Revitalize our aquifers as country is getting ready to welcome monsoon
Ground water is people's water and is loosely regulated,intentions to bring about a pan India ground water law, governments exercise little control over this.

Villages demand ban on groundwater extraction by Coca-Cola bottler in Varanasi: Activist IRC
New guidelines to regulate groundwater came into effect on November 16, 2015, and a significant addition was to bring existing industries under its purview.

SC notice to Centre, Delhi government on pricing of groundwater
The Supreme Court today sought responses from the Centre and Delhi government on a plea seeking metering and pricing of groundwater for its excessive extraction and ensure prevention of wastage.

UP pollution board shuts down Coca-Cola's Varanasi unit
The company-owned plant in Mehdiganj near Varanasi has been shut during peak season by the UPPCB as it found the company to be "violating a number of conditions" of its licence.

Budget 2013: Need to address electricity and water crisis
India still faces the challenge of poor reliability and quality of electricity that at times even leads to a blackout situation.
The Water Policy is at best a beginning and needs to cover more ground
The Water Policy now okayed by the Centre touches upon a wide range of issues concerning the precarious water economy but without clear focus.

Centre has no intention to encroach states' rights on water: Manmohan Singh
Singh was addressing the sixth meeting of the national water resources council which is likely to adopt the latest national water policy.
AP Govt introduces new Sand Mining Policy
The policy, if implemented effectively, will curb the growing activities of the sand mafia in the state and make sand available to all at an affordable price.
New norms on anvil to make groundwater public property
Groundwater, a precious natural resource, is for all practical purposes a private property in India.
Inadequate power,water pricing promoting groundwater misuse: PM
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today stressed on the need to move towards participatory mechanisms of pricing of water by the primary stakeholders themselves.

Sustaining water: Be sensible while using it
Water is the oil of the 21st century and as with oil, supplies of accessible clean water are coming under strain.
Government mulls cap on ground water usage
A cap on ground water usage and a tax to discourage its indiscriminate use for irrigation may be on the cards as the government looks to preserve the resource that is depleting at an alarming rate.
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