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Puducherry Tightens Groundwater Rules, Extraction Falls

2025-12-03

In the Union Territory of Puducherry, the Pondicherry Ground Water Authority regulates groundwater extraction through a system of permits and renewals issued to users. According to information from the State Government, Puducherry issued G.O. Ms. No. 2/Ag dated 12 April 2023, published in Gazette No. 41 on 18 April 2023, revising earlier provisions related to fees and regulations. The order is aligned with the Groundwater Extraction Guidelines issued by the Central Ground Water Authority on 24 September 2020.

The Authority issues permits and renewal certificates for groundwater extraction intended for industrial activity, infrastructure development and bulk water supply. Groundwater users have also been instructed to build additional rainwater harvesting structures to enhance recharge and raise the water table. As a result of consistent monitoring and follow-up, around 223 rainwater harvesting structures have been constructed.

Due to these strengthened regulatory measures, data from the Central Ground Water Board shows that total annual groundwater extraction in Puducherry and Karaikal districts has marginally declined from 0.15 billion cubic metres in 2020 to 0.13 billion cubic metres in 2025.

The information was provided by the Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri Raj Bhushan Choudhary, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

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