Port Blair, March 20: Time and again complaints are being received regarding illegal extraction of water by entrepreneurs who do not follow procedures for operation of bore well. Taking cognizance on the complaints, the District Administration conducted raids on the premises of multiple water suppliers and found that the firms are extracting bulk water without installation of water meter. Warning was issued to the firms and directions were issued to stop supply of water through tankers until water meters are installed.

The Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman has directed all the bulk water suppliers to adhere by the rules and regulations for extraction of ground water and further stated that permission to abstract ground water through any energized means will not be accorded for any purpose other than drinking water. The permission would be granted by the Authorised Officer in consultation with the advisory committee constituted for this purpose.

The Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman has further emphasized that the water crisis witnessed in the Islands are due to the illegal ground water extractions and further to follow the procedure for registrations and the legal provisions of the Central Ground Water Agency; Further, it has been directed that all the bulk water suppliers should mandatorily register themselves with the CGWA. The link for registration with Central Ground Water Authority for obtaining No-Objection Certificate for ground water extraction is http://cgwa-noc.gov.in.

The Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman further reiterated that General Public and all ground water users may also be made aware that the purchase of water from registered bulk water suppliers should be strictly ensured.