Centre flags high domestic groundwater use in Delhi-NCR, outlines regulatory steps
April 2, 2026: The Centre has revealed that a major share of groundwater extraction in Delhi is driven by domestic consumption, including use in high-rise apartments. Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary informed the Lok Sabha that 71.88% of total groundwater withdrawal in Delhi is for household use. In neighbouring NCR districts, the share varies, including Ghaziabad (15.62%), Gurugram (11.81%), Faridabad (18.6%), Gautam Buddh Nagar (3.21%), and Sonepat (13.24%).
The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) regulates extraction at the central level, while several states and Union Territories have their own frameworks. The authority issues no-objection certificates (NOCs) for groundwater use and mandates strict compliance, including installation of digital water flow meters in wells used by residential societies. It also imposes penalties and environmental compensation for illegal extraction, and may seal borewells in serious violations.
To address water stress, the government has made rainwater harvesting mandatory under the Model Building Bye Laws 2016 for buildings above a certain size. Officials noted that while overall groundwater recharge has improved across the country, urban pockets like Delhi-NCR continue to face pressure due to population growth, urbanisation, and high demand. Authorities are focusing on conservation and sustainable usage to manage long-term water security.