If you're planning to extract groundwater for industrial, commercial, or infrastructure purposes in Punjab, obtaining a PWRDA Certificate is mandatory. Issued by the Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority (PWRDA), this certificate ensures that groundwater extraction is legal, monitored, and environmentally sustainable.
In this updated 2025 guide, we provide a complete list of documents needed to apply for the PWRDA Certificate, along with details on how to get it and the application process.
The PWRDA Certificate is a groundwater clearance certificate issued by the Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority (PWRDA). It regulates the use of groundwater for non-agricultural activities such as industrial manufacturing, bottling, construction, hotels, and more.
Operating without this certificate can result in penalties, disconnection of borewell access, and legal notices.
Here’s the updated checklist of documents required for PWRDA Certificate application:
Land Ownership or Lease Documents
Sale deed, lease agreement, or plot allotment letter.
Site Plan and Borewell Layout
Clearly marked locations of borewells/tubewells, nearby water sources, and site boundaries.
Geo-coordinates (Latitude & Longitude)
Pinpoint location of the extraction point, using Google Maps or GPS.
Daily Water Requirement Statement
Mention usage in KLD (kilolitres per day), with purpose-wise breakup (e.g., processing, cooling, sanitation).
Hydrogeological Report (If Required)
Prepared by a certified hydrogeologist, mandatory in critical zones.
NOC from CGWA (if applicable)
For units falling under Central Ground Water Authority jurisdiction overlap.
Consent to Establish from PPCB
Mandatory clearance from the Punjab Pollution Control Board for setting up industrial units.
Water Conservation Proposal
Include rainwater harvesting, recharge pits, or recycling systems.
Business Registration Proof
PAN, GST registration, company incorporation certificate, or MSME Udyam Registration.
Self-Declaration or Affidavit
Confirming the correctness of submitted documents and agreement to PWRDA conditions.
To get a PWRDA Certificate, businesses must fulfill the following:
Most businesses prefer consulting experts like Metacorp to handle these technical steps accurately and quickly.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to apply for a PWRDA Certificate through the official channel:
Visit the PWRDA Portal:
Go to www.pwrda.org and register as a new applicant.
Fill Online Application Form:
Enter details of your business, land location, water requirement, etc.
Upload Documents:
Attach PDFs of all required documents, with proper file names and signatures.
Pay Applicable Fees:
Pay processing charges based on water consumption slab and sector type.
Track Application Status:
Use your login ID to monitor progress, respond to objections, or submit clarifications.
Get Final Approval:
Once verified, the Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority (PWRDA) will issue your certificate digitally.
Getting a PWRDA Certificate is not just a regulatory formality — it’s a legal requirement for any business extracting groundwater in Punjab. Submitting all the required documents accurately and following the proper application process can save you weeks of delay and prevent legal trouble.
To learn more about PWRDA Certificate in Haryana, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh we recommend you to visit Metacorp as it solve legal and compliance issues of new and established businesses.
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