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26 Dec 2025·Source: The Hindu
2 min
Environment & EcologyPolity & GovernanceNEWS

NGT Directs Strict Measures Against Illegal Borewells to Protect Groundwater

NGT orders states to take swift action against illegal borewells to protect groundwater.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a directive to all states and Union Territories, ordering swift and stringent action against illegal borewells. This move comes in response to widespread groundwater depletion and contamination caused by unauthorized extraction.

The NGT emphasized the need for regular monitoring, enforcement of existing regulations, and imposition of environmental compensation on violators. This order underscores the NGT's role as a crucial environmental watchdog, pushing for sustainable water management and protection of vital natural resources.

मुख्य तथ्य

1.

NGT orders states/UTs to act against illegal borewells

2.

Focus on groundwater depletion and contamination

3.

Emphasizes monitoring, enforcement, environmental compensation

UPSC परीक्षा के दृष्टिकोण

1.

Role, powers, and jurisdiction of the National Green Tribunal (NGT)

2.

Groundwater management policies, laws, and institutional framework in India (e.g., Central Ground Water Authority, Model Bill)

3.

Constitutional provisions related to water and environment (e.g., DPSP, Fundamental Duties, Seventh Schedule)

4.

Environmental principles like 'Polluter Pays Principle' and 'Sustainable Development'

5.

Causes and consequences of groundwater depletion and contamination

6.

Inter-state water disputes and federal aspects of water governance

दृश्य सामग्री

Groundwater Stress Zones in India (2024-25)

This map illustrates states/regions in India facing critical to over-exploited groundwater conditions, which is the primary concern addressed by the NGT's directive against illegal borewells. The color coding indicates the severity of groundwater depletion.

Loading interactive map...

📍Punjab📍Haryana📍Rajasthan📍Uttar Pradesh📍Gujarat📍Maharashtra📍Tamil Nadu📍Karnataka
और जानकारी

पृष्ठभूमि

India is one of the largest users of groundwater globally, with over 85% of rural and 50% of urban water supply dependent on it. Historically, groundwater extraction has been largely unregulated, leading to severe over-exploitation, especially in the agricultural sector due to policies like free electricity for irrigation and minimum support prices (MSP) for water-intensive crops. This has resulted in a significant decline in water tables and widespread contamination.

नवीनतम घटनाक्रम

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has recently issued a directive to all states and Union Territories to take swift and stringent action against illegal borewells. This order emphasizes regular monitoring, enforcement of existing regulations, and imposition of environmental compensation on violators. This move highlights the NGT's proactive role as an environmental watchdog in addressing critical environmental issues like groundwater depletion and contamination.

बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न (MCQ)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the National Green Tribunal (NGT): 1. It was established under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 2. Its orders are binding on all parties and can only be challenged before the Supreme Court. 3. It has original jurisdiction over civil cases involving substantial questions relating to the environment arising out of seven specific environmental laws. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: B

Statement 1 is incorrect. The NGT was established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, not the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Statement 2 is correct; NGT's orders are binding and can be challenged before the Supreme Court within 90 days. Statement 3 is correct; NGT has original jurisdiction over civil cases related to seven specific environmental laws listed in Schedule I of the NGT Act.

2. In the context of groundwater management in India, which of the following statements is NOT correct?

उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: D

Statement D is incorrect. The NGT's directives and orders are legally binding and enforceable, and they do not require state government concurrence for their enforceability. The NGT has statutory powers to issue such directions. Statements A, B, and C are correct. CGWA was indeed constituted under Section 3(3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Water is a State subject, and the Model Bill promotes community involvement.

3. With reference to 'Environmental Compensation' in India, consider the following statements: 1. It is primarily based on the 'Polluter Pays Principle'. 2. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has the power to impose environmental compensation on polluters. 3. The collected compensation is exclusively used for the restoration of the damaged environment and not for any other purpose. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: D

All three statements are correct. The 'Polluter Pays Principle' is a fundamental principle of environmental law in India, upheld by the Supreme Court and applied by the NGT. The NGT, under the NGT Act, 2010, has explicit powers to impose environmental compensation for damages caused to the environment. The primary objective of such compensation is to restore the damaged environment and ecology, ensuring that the funds are utilized for environmental remediation.

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