Guwahati, March 28: Concerns over unregulated groundwater extraction in the city have come under judicial scrutiny, with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) issuing notices to the Assam government and several key agencies.
The Eastern Zone Bench of the tribunal admitted a petition alleging illegal groundwater boring activities in the Barshapara area of Guwahati. The plea, filed by Milan Kanti Das and others, flagged potential environmental risks linked to excessive and unauthorised groundwater usage.
The Bench, comprising Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh and expert member Merriber Ishwar Singh, has directed all respondents to file their replies within four weeks. The matter is scheduled for its next hearing on May 8.
The respondents named in the case include:
- The Assam government, represented by the Special Chief Secretary of the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED)
- The Executive Engineer, PHED
- The District Commissioner of Kamrup Metropolitan
- The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)
- The Water Supply Management Committee of Barshapara No. 1
During the hearing, the petitioners stated that information obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act from the CGWB confirmed that no No Objection Certificate (NOC) had been issued for groundwater extraction in the area.
The plea further alleged that the Barshapara No. 1 Water Supply Scheme Management Committee has been running multiple borewells without authorisation. It also claimed that groundwater is being commercially supplied instead of being restricted to drinking purposes, raising concerns over misuse and regulatory lapses.
Taking note of the submissions, the tribunal observed that the issue involves a substantial environmental concern and admitted the matter for detailed examination.
The case has intensified focus on groundwater regulation and sustainable resource management in Guwahati, especially amid rapid urban expansion.
