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28 Dec 2025·Source: The Indian Express
2 min
Environment & EcologyPolity & GovernancePolity & GovernanceNEWS

Illegal Groundwater Extraction Persists in Paharganj Amidst Unnotified Policy

Despite a new policy, illegal groundwater extraction continues in Paharganj, highlighting governance gaps.

Illegal Groundwater Extraction Persists in Paharganj Amidst Unnotified Policy

Photo by Stefano Ghezzi

For over a year, illegal groundwater extraction has persisted in Paharganj, Delhi, because a new policy aimed at regulating it has not been notified. This situation highlights a significant governance failure, as the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has been unable to take action against illegal borewells. The Delhi government had approved a new groundwater extraction policy in December 2022, but its notification is pending, leaving a regulatory vacuum.

This is crucial because groundwater is a vital resource, and its unchecked extraction leads to depletion and quality degradation, impacting urban water security. The issue was flagged by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2016, leading to a 2017 notification that expired in 2020, further complicating enforcement.

Key Facts

1.

New groundwater extraction policy approved by Delhi government in December 2022, but not notified

2.

Illegal extraction continues for over a year in Paharganj

3.

Delhi Jal Board (DJB) unable to take action due to lack of notified policy

4.

NGT flagged the issue in 2016, leading to a 2017 notification that expired in 2020

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

Environmental governance and policy implementation challenges

2.

Role and powers of the National Green Tribunal (NGT)

3.

Urban water security and sustainable resource management

4.

Inter-agency coordination and regulatory frameworks for groundwater

5.

Constitutional provisions related to water and environmental protection

Visual Insights

Groundwater Stress in Delhi: Paharganj Case

This map highlights Delhi, specifically Paharganj, as a region facing critical groundwater management issues due to illegal extraction and regulatory vacuum. It underscores the broader challenge of urban water security in India.

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📍Paharganj, Delhi📍Delhi

Timeline of Groundwater Regulation & Policy Gaps in Delhi

This timeline illustrates the chronological progression of regulatory efforts and subsequent failures concerning groundwater extraction in Delhi, highlighting the persistence of a policy implementation gap.

The issue of groundwater over-exploitation in Delhi has been a recurring concern for over a decade, with regulatory attempts often falling short due to implementation challenges and policy gaps. The NGT has consistently pushed for stricter environmental compliance, but administrative delays continue to undermine these efforts, leading to critical resource depletion.

  • 2016National Green Tribunal (NGT) flags illegal groundwater extraction in Delhi, emphasizing the need for regulation.
  • 2017Delhi government issues a notification for groundwater regulation, in response to NGT directives.
  • 2020The 2017 groundwater regulation notification expires, creating a regulatory vacuum.
  • Dec 2022Delhi government approves a new groundwater extraction policy.
  • 2023New policy remains unnotified, leading to continued illegal extraction.
  • Dec 2025Illegal groundwater extraction persists in Paharganj due to the unnotified policy, highlighting ongoing governance failure.
More Information

Background

Groundwater is a critical resource for India, especially for agriculture and urban consumption. However, its unregulated extraction has led to severe depletion and quality degradation across many regions. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has consistently intervened to address environmental issues, including groundwater management, highlighting the need for robust regulatory frameworks and enforcement.

Latest Developments

The news highlights a specific instance in Paharganj, Delhi, where illegal groundwater extraction persists due to a regulatory vacuum. A new policy approved by the Delhi government in December 2022 remains unnotified, preventing the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) from taking action. This situation is further complicated by the expiration of a previous NGT-mandated notification in 2020.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding groundwater management in India: 1. The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) is a statutory body established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 2. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has the power to issue directions for the protection of groundwater resources. 3. Water, including groundwater, falls exclusively under the Union List of the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 only
  • B.2 only
  • C.1 and 2 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: C

Statement 1 is correct: The CGWA was constituted under Section 3(3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to regulate and control groundwater development and management. Statement 2 is correct: The NGT Act, 2010, empowers the NGT to deal with environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources, including water. It has frequently issued directions regarding groundwater. Statement 3 is incorrect: Water, including groundwater, is primarily a State subject under Entry 17 of List II (State List) of the Seventh Schedule. However, Parliament can legislate on inter-state rivers and river valleys under Entry 56 of List I (Union List).

2. In the context of urban water security in India, the persistence of illegal groundwater extraction, as seen in Paharganj, Delhi, primarily highlights which of the following? 1. Inadequate enforcement mechanisms and regulatory gaps. 2. Over-reliance on surface water sources for urban supply. 3. Lack of public awareness regarding water conservation. 4. Absence of a national policy on groundwater management. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.1 and 3 only
  • C.1, 3 and 4 only
  • D.1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is correct: The news explicitly states that illegal extraction persists due to an 'unnotified policy' and 'regulatory vacuum', indicating inadequate enforcement and gaps. Statement 3 is also a significant underlying factor in many environmental issues, including water extraction, as public demand often drives such activities. Statement 2 is incorrect: While urban areas do rely on surface water, the problem of illegal groundwater extraction points to an over-reliance on groundwater, not surface water. Statement 4 is incorrect: India does have a National Water Policy (2012) which addresses groundwater, and specific guidelines/model bills for groundwater management have been issued by the Central Government, even if state-level implementation varies.

3. Which of the following is NOT a typical consequence of unchecked groundwater extraction in urban areas?

  • A.Land subsidence
  • B.Increased energy consumption for pumping
  • C.Saline water intrusion in coastal areas
  • D.Enhanced baseflow to rivers and streams
Show Answer

Answer: D

Statements A, B, and C are all typical consequences of unchecked groundwater extraction. Land subsidence occurs when the water supporting the soil matrix is removed. Increased energy is needed as the water table drops. Saline intrusion is common in coastal areas when freshwater aquifers are over-pumped. Statement D is incorrect: Unchecked groundwater extraction leads to a *reduction* in baseflow to rivers and streams, as the water table drops below the riverbed, causing rivers to lose water to the aquifer rather than gaining from it. This can even lead to perennial rivers becoming seasonal.

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