Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority (PWRDA)

Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority (PWRDA)

The Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority (PWRDA) is a statutory body established under the Punjab Water Resources (Management and Regulation) Act, 2020. Its primary purpose is to manage, regulate, and conserve the state's water resources, particularly in the face of alarming groundwater depletion.

Water is a limited and valuable resource. The increasing strain on fresh water resources as a result of rising demand and population growth is a major concern.  The Punjab Water Resources (Regulation and Management) Act, 2020 established the Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority (PWRDA), which is responsible for regulating the state's water resources and guaranteeing its rational, equitable and long-term management.

About Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority (PWRDA)

• The Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority (PWRDA) was represented under the “Punjab Water Resources Regulation and Management” Act, 2020. The role of PWRDA is to control and manage water resources in the Punjab state.  The main target of the Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority (PWRDA) is to use water wisely, maintain cleanness, and sustainable utilization.
• The Aauthority's goal is to manage and regulate the usage of water in the state to achieve groundwater balance so required people easily get water. “Save water” is mandatory for all people who use groundwater. The authority will encourage groundwater users to take action to preserve water and then they will have to pay cost these measures. 
• However, in that case, if the user is not able to execute water conservation measures to meet their target, then they shall not be given the water credits to that extent, and they shall be liable to pay this amount to the Authority as part of his/her groundwater usage charges or penalties. The charges collected by the authority to run water conservation projects are decided by the government. This PWRDA ensures saving enough water to meet the targets set for each user state.

Role of the Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority (PWRDA)

The PWRDA's role is critical for the long-term water security of Punjab, which is a major agricultural state heavily reliant on groundwater. Its main functions include:

• Regulation of Groundwater Extraction: PWRDA issues permissions and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for extracting groundwater for industrial, commercial, and other non-agricultural uses. This is a key measure to control and monitor the volume of water being drawn from aquifers.
• Water Conservation and Management: The authority promotes a "pay for use and conserve" model. It encourages users to implement their own water conservation measures. If users fail to meet their conservation targets, they may not receive water credits and may be liable to pay charges or penalties.
• Volumetric Charges: PWRDA imposes volumetric groundwater extraction charges on various users. A portion of these charges is then used by the authority to fund and implement water conservation schemes across the state.
• Data Collection and Monitoring: It is responsible for monitoring water usage and enforcing regulations. The PWRDA has launched an online portal for applicants to seek permission for groundwater extraction, and it also regulates drilling rigs and water tankers to ensure compliance.
• Collaboration: PWRDA collaborates with various government departments and agencies to ensure the integrated and sustainable management of water resources.

Objective of Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority

• The main objective of the Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority is to manage and control water usage in the state in order to accomplish long-term groundwater management that is balanced with the needs of people's livelihoods.
• Water conservation will be compulsory for all groundwater users, with the goal of encouraging them to implement water conservation measures at their own expense that will assist the State in meeting its water conservation objective for each zone.
• If the Water Users are unable to implement water conservation measures in order to fulfil their target, they will not be provided water credits to that extent and will be required to pay the Authority this amount as part of his groundwater usage charges.
• A portion of the Groundwater Charges will be used by the Authority to undertake Water Conservation Schemes that will be framed by the Government and carried out by the Government's designated Departments or Public Agencies. The goal will be to ensure that enough water is conserved to satisfy the goals set for each user in the state.

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