Frequently Asked Questions

• Every manufacturer, producer, collection centre, importer, reconditioner, refurbisher, dismantler, assembler, dealer, recycler, auctioneer, vehicle service centre, consumer, and bulk consumer involved in the manufacture, processing, sale, purchase, collection, storage, reprocessing, and use of batteries or their components, including their components, consumables, and spare parts that make up the product operational
• All types of batteries, regardless of form, length, weight, material composition, or use, as specified in Schedule-I;
• All appliances into which a battery is or may be fixed to operate
   

The applicant is required to submit the above stated documents, along with the application, in a prescribed format, to the State Pollution Control Board. The concerned officer may inspect the premises where the battery materials are being used and may issue some clarifications. Once the clarifications issued by the Inspecting Authority are suitably submitted, the Battery waste Management Authorization certificate is issued. 

The Government fee for Battery Waste Management (BWM) Authorization certificate may range from NIL to up to Rs.10,000 depending on the State Pollution Control Board. If an agency is hired for the same, it may charge you some fee. Metacorp charges Rs.20,000 as consulting fee for end to end delivery of Battery Waste Management (BWM) Authorization certificate.

1. Pan Card and UID of Authorized of Unit
2. Pan card of unit
3. Authorization letter
4. Rent Agreement/Property paper
5. GST
6. IEC
7. COI
8. MOA and AOA/Partnership deed
9. Valid CTO
10. Valid Authorization
11. Capacity certificate

1. Any producer of battery/battery-containing equipment must apply for EPR Authorisation in Form 3 to State Pollution Control Board Pollution Control Committees in the case of selling their product in one state or to the Central Pollution Control Board in the case of selling their product in more than one state within three months of the date of commencement of these rules.
2. In the case of a pan-India authorization, upon receipt of a complete application in all respects, a committee constituted by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) with representatives from State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) or Pollution Control Committees(PCC), after evaluating the State-specific EPR Plan, after such an inquiry as it deems appropriate, and on being satisfied that the producer has detailed out an effective system to manage Extended Producer Responsibility, The EPR-Authorization would be valid for a maximum of five years at first.

1. ‘Battery’ or ‘’accumulator’’ means any source of electrical energy produced by direct conversion of chemical energy, including disposable primary (Alkaline/Mercury/Silver oxide/Zinc Carbon) batteries, rechargeable secondary (Lead Acid/Lithium Ion/Lithium Metal/Nickel Cadmium) batteries, and any other battery that contains (or may produce) potassium hydroxide at the end of its life.
2. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) refers to any battery manufacturer's responsibility for their products beyond production before environmentally sound end-of-life management; and for the channelization of waste batteries to ensure environmentally sound waste management. Implementing a take-back scheme, setting up recycling centres, or both, and making agreed agreements with registered recyclers either individually or jointly through a Producer Responsibility Organization acknowledged by producer or producers in their Extended Producer Responsibility are examples of Extended Producer Responsibility. - Authorization;
3. ‘Producer' refers to someone who: i. manufactures and offers to sell batteries and their components, consumables, parts, or spares under their own brand; or ii. manufactures or offers to sell equipment / products that use a battery or batteries as a component under their own brand; or iii. offers to sell assembled battery under their own brand.

Permission from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is a mandatory requirement for the import and export of specific categories of goods, particularly hazardous and other wastes. This regulation is governed by the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Tran’s boundary Movement) Rules, 2016, and is a critical part of India's commitment to international environmental agreements like the Basel Convention.

Purpose of the MoEFCC Permission

The core purpose of this permission is to ensure that the Trans boundary movement of waste is conducted in an environmentally sound and responsible manner. Key objectives include:
•    Preventing Illegal Dumping: The rules strictly prohibit the import of hazardous waste for the purpose of disposal in India.
•    Facilitating Resource Recovery: The import of waste is permitted only for legitimate purposes such as recycling, recovery, reuse, and co-processing, which are essential for a circular economy.
•    Environmental Safeguards: The permission process requires importers and exporters to demonstrate that they have the necessary infrastructure, technology, and processes to handle the waste safely and prevent environmental harm.
•    International Compliance: It ensures that India fulfills its obligations under the Basel Convention, which regulates the movement of hazardous waste between countries.
The MoEFCC permit is required for a wide range of materials listed in the Schedules of the Hazardous and Other Wastes Rules, 2016. These generally include:
•    Hazardous Wastes: This covers a broad spectrum of industrial, chemical, and metal-bearing wastes that are toxic, flammable, or otherwise harmful.
•    E-Waste: Electronic and electrical assemblies, components, and scrap that are often imported for refurbishment, recycling, or as spare parts.
•    Waste Tires and Rubber Scrap: Used tires and rubber scrap that are imported for recycling into crumb rubber or other products.
•    Used Oil and Lead Scrap: These are commonly imported for reprocessing and reuse.
 

The import of hazardous and other wastes into India is a highly regulated process governed by the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Trans boundary Movement) Rules, 2016. The procedure is designed to ensure that waste is not imported for illegal dumping and that it is only used by authorized entities for environmentally sound recycling, recovery, or reuse.

Eligibility and Authorization

•    Actual User Status: Only an "actual user" is permitted to import hazardous and other wastes. An actual user is an industry that utilizes the waste as a raw material in its production process. A trader may also import on behalf of an actual user, but they must have a one-time authorization for this purpose.
•    Valid Authorizations: The importer must possess valid authorizations and consents from the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) for the handling and management of hazardous waste and a valid "Consent to Operate" under the Air and Water Acts.

  Application for Permission (NOC)

•    Application to MoEFCC: The importer must submit an online application in Form 5 to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) through the designated portal (e.g., the National Single Window System).
•    Simultaneous Submission to SPCB: A copy of the application must be simultaneously submitted to the concerned State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) for their review and comments. The acknowledgment of this submission from the SPCB must be included in the application to the MoEFCC.
•    Justification and Technical Details: The application must include a detailed justification for the import, including a process flow chart showing how the waste will be handled, processed, and utilized.
 

The export of hazardous and other wastes from India is a highly regulated process governed by the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Trans boundary Movement) Rules, 2016. The procedure is designed to ensure compliance with the Basel Convention, a global treaty that prevents the dumping of hazardous waste in countries that lack the capacity to manage it.
The overall principle is that waste can only be exported to an "actual user" or a facility with the capacity for environmentally sound management, and only with the explicit consent of the importing country.

1.  Determine Eligibility and Type of Waste

•    Permitted Wastes: Export is generally allowed for wastes that are listed in the schedules of the 2016 Rules, such as certain types of e-waste, metallic scrap, or waste oils, but only for recycling, recovery, or reuse.
•    Exporter Status: The exporter must be the actual generator or a party authorized to handle the waste.

2.  Obtain Prior Informed Consent (PIC)

•    Mandatory for Certain Wastes: For highly restricted hazardous wastes listed in Part A of Schedule III and Schedule VI of the Rules, the exporter must obtain a Prior Informed Consent (PIC) in writing from the competent authority of the importing country. This is a crucial step and without it, the export cannot proceed.
•    Documentation: This consent is a formal letter acknowledging that the importing country is aware of the waste's nature and has agreed to receive it.

3.  Application for Permission (NOC)

•    Application to MoEFCC: The exporter must submit an online application in Form 5 to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). This is the central permission-granting authority.
•    Supporting Documents: The application must be accompanied by a comprehensive set of documents, which include:
--    The Prior Informed Consent (PIC) from the importing country.
--    A valid Consent to Operate from the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) and a valid authorization for hazardous waste management.
--    A copy of the agreement or contract with the buyer/importer.
--    Proof of adequate insurance coverage for the Trans boundary movement, which must cover both transit and any potential clean-up operations in case of an accident.
--    A notarized undertaking from the exporter, including a commitment to take back the waste if it is rejected by the importer.
--    A detailed chemical analysis report of the waste from an accredited lab.
 

The import and export of a wide range of materials require prior permission from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). This is primarily to regulate the Trans boundary movement of hazardous and other wastes, as stipulated under the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Tran’s boundary Movement) Rules, 2016.
The specific items that require prior permission are detailed in the various schedules of these rules. The level of restriction and the documents required vary depending on the type of waste 

Hazardous Wastes

This is the most significant category, covering materials that are toxic, corrosive, flammable, or otherwise harmful. Permission is required for both import and export of these materials, which are categorized in the following schedules:

•    Schedule III (Part A): This lists hazardous wastes that require Prior Informed Consent (PIC) from the importing or exporting country. These are typically highly restricted wastes, such as those containing toxic metals (e.g., lead, cadmium), waste mineral oils, and certain chemical residues.

•    Schedule VI: This list includes specific hazardous wastes that are banned for import and export.

Other Wastes (for recycling and reuse)

The MoEFCC rules also regulate the import of certain non-hazardous wastes that are considered valuable resources for recycling. These wastes are listed in:

•    Schedule III (Part B): This includes "other wastes" that can be imported for recycling, recovery, or reuse without prior permission from the MoEFCC, provided they meet certain conditions and are not mixed with hazardous wastes. Examples include certain types of plastic scrap, paper waste, and glass cullets. However, if these wastes are mixed with any hazardous material, they fall under the strict permission requirements.

•    Used Tires and Rubber Scrap: Import of used tires is regulated and requires a permit.
 

E-Waste (Electronic Waste)

The import and export of used electrical and electronic assemblies, equipment, and their components are strictly controlled. This is to prevent India from becoming a dumping ground for e-waste from developed nations. Prior permission is required for the import of items like:

•    Used Electrical and Electronic Assemblies (EEAs): This includes items like used computers, printers, and medical equipment. Permission is often granted with the condition that the items are for a specific purpose (e.g., refurbishment, repair) and must be re-exported after use.

•    Used Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEEs): The import of certain used, high-value medical equipment also requires a permit from the MoEFCC.
 

The documents required for Import/Export Permission from MoEF&CC depend on the type of material (Hazardous Waste, Ozone Depleting Substances, Wildlife, Plastic Waste, etc.).
But MoEF&CC has prescribed some common mandatory documents across categories, plus category-specific documents.

Common Documents required (for all applications)

1.  Application Form – submitted through Parivesh Portal (https://parivesh.nic.in).
2.  Company Documents
--   IEC (Import Export Code from DGFT)
--   PAN, GST, CIN / MSME certificate
--   Company incorporation/registration certificate
3.  Authorization from SPCB/PCC (State Pollution Control Board or Pollution Control Committee) – e.g., Hazardous Waste Authorization.
4.  Detailed Project/Activity Report with purpose of import/export.
5.  Material Details
--   Type of material (waste, ODS, wildlife item, plastic, etc.)
--   Quantity, physical/chemical composition
--   HS Code / Customs Tariff Code
--   Country of origin / destination
6.  Agreement/Contract between Importer & Exporter (if applicable).
7.  Undertaking / Affidavit on compliance with MoEF&CC rules.
8.  Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) of authorized signatory.

Category-Specific Documents

1.  Documents required for import /export of hazardous waste

•    Justification for import
•    Valid State Pollution Board CTO / CCA & HW Authorization 
•    Copy of lead analysis report in soil, air, water, stack and blood of the workers.
•    Process flow chart indicating adequate pollution control equipment including alkaline scrubber and battery breaking system for unit of more than 10,000 MTA of ISRI Code RAINS.
•    Photographs & Video CD of running plant.
•    Acknowledgement for receipt of copy of application from the Concerned State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) / Pollution Control Committee (PCC)

2.  Documents required for Import of PET scrap/plastic scrap/Acrylic plastics etc

•    Justification for import
•    Valid Consent to Operate under Water Act, I9Z4 and Air Act, 1981.
•    Process flow chart indicating adequate pollution control equipment.
•    Exporter's certificate for virgin plastic from industries except for import of PET bottle scrap
•    List of users
•    Photographs & Video CD of running plant.
•    Acknowledgement receipt of copy of application from concerned State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) / Pollution Control Committee (PCC)

3.  Documents required for Import of waste tyres/rubber scrap

•    Justification for import
•    Valid Consent to Operate under Water Act, L9T4 and Air Act, 1981.
•    Process flow chart indicating adequate pollution control equipment.
•    List of users
•    Photographs & Video CD of running plant.
•    Acknowledgement for receipt of copy of application from concerned state Pollution control Board (SPCB)/ Pollution Control Committee (PCC)

Note: The application for, import of waste tyres for purpose of the manufacture of Tyre Pyrolysis Oil (TPO) through pyrolysis process is not being considered by the Expert Committee (EC) due to pending decision at DGFT

4.  Documents required for import of EEAs for repair in India and re-export

•    Justification for import
•    Undertaking for re-export
•    Details of previous import, if there has been any and confirmation regarding their re- export
•    Acknowledgement for receipt of copy of application from concerned State Pollution Control Board (SPCB)/ Pollution Control Committee (PCC)

5.  Documents required for Import of used EEAs on Loan / testing purpose/ projects/R&D 

•    Justification for import
•    If being imported on returnable basis than undertaking for re-export
•    Chartered Engineer Certificate indicating the manufacturing date, residual life and serial number.
•    Details of previous import, if there has been any and confirmation regarding their re- export
•    Acknowledgement for receipt of copy of application from concerned State Pollution Control Board

6.  Documents required for Import of used EEAs for their re-use

•    Justification for import
•    If being imported on returnable re-export Rules,2OO8 basis then undertaking for re-export
•    If refurbished components being imported as replacement to defective component then undertaking for export of equivalent numbers of defective components
•    Chartered Engineer Certificate from exporting Country indicating the manufacturing date, residual life and serial number.
•    Details of previous import, if there has been any and confirmation regarding their re- export.
•    In case of capital items particularly medical equipment the fact that the machine has been refurbished at the OEM factory and after sales service is provided by the supplier/importer.
•    Acknowledgement for receipt of copy of application from  concerned state Pollution control Board (SPCB) / pollution  Control Committee (PCC)

7.  Documents required for Import of used MFDs

•    Importers have valid Authorization as per the e-waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2008.
•    MFDs should only be for print size of A3 and above
•    Undertaking that the MFDs will be fully functional with a residual life of minimum five years to be substantiated by
•    Chartered Engineer Certificate (CEC) from the exporting country indicating the manufacturing date, residual life and serial number.
•    The importer will furnish previous import details and the use to which the previously imported machines have been put to.
•    Proposed use / utilization details of MFDs to be imported.
•    Proof of annual returns filed by the importers to their concerned SPCBs / PCCs for all previous import, if applicable.

Further, in addition to all the above the custom Authority will also verify the following prior to giving clearance to such import:

•    MFDs shall be free of any transit damage and shall be functional and in usable condition
•    The importer shall have valid authorization from DGFT for such import

The Haryana Water Resources Authority (HWRA) is a statutory body established by the Government of Haryana under the Haryana Water Resources (Conservation, Regulation and Management) Authority Act, 2020. Its primary purpose is to address the critical issue of water scarcity and over-exploitation of water resources in the state.

Key Functions and Powers of HWRA 

The HWRA has a broad mandate to conserve, regulate, and manage both surface and groundwater resources in Haryana. Its main functions and powers include:
  •    Regulation of Water Use: The authority grants No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and permissions for the extraction of groundwater for various purposes, including industrial, commercial, and infrastructure projects. This is a key regulatory tool to control water abstraction and prevent further depletion of aquifers. Certain categories of users, like individual domestic consumers and agricultural activities, are typically exempt from this requirement.

  •    Conservation and Management: HWRA is responsible for developing and implementing plans for the sustainable use of water. This includes promoting rainwater harvesting, artificial recharge of groundwater, and other water-saving measures. It aims to achieve a judicious, equitable, and efficient use of water resources across the state.

  •    Data and Planning: The authority is tasked with collecting and analyzing data on water resources. It publishes reports on groundwater and surface water, and uses this information to create and update an Integrated State Water Plan. This planning is crucial for making informed decisions and designing interventions at a block and village level.

  •    Enforcement: HWRA has the power to impose restrictions and mechanisms to ensure a sustainable water regimen. It can impose environmental compensation or penalties on those who illegally extract groundwater or violate its regulations.

  •    Collaboration and Awareness: The authority works with other government departments and stakeholders to improve water governance. It also conducts awareness campaigns to educate the public on the importance of water conservation.
 

The purpose of the Haryana Water Resources Authority (HWRA) is to address the critical challenges of water scarcity, over-exploitation of groundwater, and inefficient water use in the state of Haryana. Established under the Haryana Water Resources (Conservation, Regulation and Management) Authority Act, 2020, HWRA serves as a central body with a broad mandate to ensure the sustainable, judicious, and equitable management of all water resources—both surface and groundwater.

The main purpose of HWRA is to regulate, manage, and conserve the water resources of Haryana, especially groundwater, which is under severe stress in the state.

1.    Groundwater Regulation

       --   Control and monitor extraction of groundwater for industrial, commercial, agricultural, and domestic use.
       --   Issue permissions and NOCs for groundwater withdrawal.

2.    Water Conservation & Sustainability

       --   Promote rainwater harvesting, artificial recharge, and efficient water use.
       --   Ensure sustainable use of groundwater to prevent over-exploitation.

3.    Planning & Management

       --  Prepare water security plans for different regions of Haryana.    
       --  Recommend measures to balance demand and supply of water.

4.    Policy & Guidelines

       --  Frame regulations for water pricing, reuse, and recycling.
       --  Encourage industries, institutions, and urban bodies to adopt water-efficient practices.

5.    Monitoring & Enforcement

       --   Maintain records of groundwater levels and extraction.
       --   Take corrective and punitive actions against illegal or excessive water extraction.

6.    Public Awareness

       --   Spread awareness about water scarcity and the importance of conservation.
       --   Involve communities, industries, and farmers in water-saving initiatives.
 

HWRA permission for groundwater drilling/boring is required for:

• Industrial Usage
• Mining Usage
• Infrastructural Usage
• Domestics water usage in Industrial Units

The Haryana Water Resources Authority (HWRA) has established detailed guidelines for the abstraction of groundwater for industrial use to ensure its sustainable management. These guidelines are primarily based on the categorization of administrative blocks (tehsils) into different groundwater zones: Over-exploited, Critical, Semi-critical, and Safe.

The key aspects of the HWRA guidelines for groundwater drilling and use for industrial purposes:

1.  Mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC)

All industries, regardless of their size, are required to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the HWRA before they can drill a bore well or extract groundwater. The application process is conducted online through the official HWRA portal.

2.  Restrictions Based on Groundwater Levels

The most significant factor in the HWRA's decision is the groundwater status of the area where the industry is located. The guidelines are stringent for stressed areas:
•    Over-exploited areas: Generally, no new NOCs are granted for groundwater abstraction for industrial use in these areas. However, an exception is made for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Even for them, NOCs may be limited to drinking/domestic use for the workforce and for green belt development.
•    Critical, Semi-critical, and Safe areas: NOCs for groundwater extraction may be granted in these areas, but the industries are subject to specific conditions and charges.

3.  Conditions for Granting NOC

When an NOC is issued, it comes with a set of specific conditions that the industry must adhere to:
•    No Alternative Water Source: An NOC is typically granted only if the local government water supply agencies are unable to provide the required quantity of water. The industry must provide proof of the non-availability or partial availability of an alternative water source.
•    Water Conservation and Efficiency: Industries are required to adopt the latest water-efficient technologies to reduce their dependence on groundwater.
•    Rainwater Harvesting and Recharge: All industries must implement rooftop rainwater harvesting and other artificial recharge measures on their premises. Industries that are likely to pollute groundwater (e.g., chemical, pharmaceutical, tannery) must store harvested rainwater in surface tanks for use in their operations to prevent contamination.
•    Installation of Piezometers and Water Meters: Industries abstracting more than 10 cubic meters per day of groundwater are required to install an observation well (piezometer) within their premises, at least 15 meters away from the borewell. They must also install a water meter to monitor and report water levels and consumption monthly through the HWRA web portal.
•    Water Audit: Industries abstracting a significant amount of groundwater (e.g., more than 100 cubic meters per day) are required to undertake a yearly water audit by certified auditors and submit reports to the HWRA. They may also be required to reduce their groundwater usage by a specified percentage over a set period.
 

The Haryana Water Resources Authority (HWRA) requires a comprehensive set of documents for its online application for groundwater extraction. The specific documents can vary slightly depending on whether the application is for industrial, infrastructure, or mining use, and if it's for an existing or a new project.

1.  General Applicant and Project Information

•    Identification Documents: Aadhar Card and PAN Card of the authorized signatory.
•    Proof of Land Ownership: This can be a land registration deed, a lease agreement, an industrial plot allotment letter, or an up-to-date valid lease deed duly registered, if the land is leased.
•    Business/Company Registration Documents:
     --   For industries, this may include the MSME registration number (UDYAM/Udyog Aadhar Memorandum), Factory Act Registration, or Certificate of Incorporation (CIN).
•    Site Plan/Location Details: A detailed site layout map showing the location of the proposed or existing bore well and the surrounding area.
•    Project Details: A project report outlining the purpose of groundwater use, a water balance chart, and a detailed description of the industrial/infrastructure process and water requirement at each stage.

2.  Water Availability and Quality report

•    Water Supply Denial Affidavit: A "Non-availability of water supply/water denial Affidavit" from the local government water supply agency (e.g., PHED, HSVP, or Municipal Corporation). This is a crucial document to prove that a public water source is not available to meet the project's water needs. The certificate should not be older than six months.
•    Groundwater Quality Test Report: A recent groundwater quality test report from a NABL-accredited laboratory for the existing or proposed bore well.

3.  Environmental and Regulatory Compliance

•    Consent to Operate (CTO) / Consent to Establish (CTE): A valid CTO from the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) for an existing project or a valid CTE for a new one, unless the industry falls under an exempted category.
•    Environmental Clearance (EC): If the project requires environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), the EC letter must be submitted.
•    NOC from Wetland Authority: If the project area falls within a 500-meter radius of a wetland zone, a No Objection Certificate and permission from the Wetland Authority are required.

4.  Technical and Audit Reports

•    Water Audit Report: For high-volume water users, a water audit report prepared by a certified auditor may be required as per HWRA rules.
•    Impact Assessment Report (IAR): For projects with significant water requirements (e.g., over 500 KLD), a detailed Impact Assessment Report, sometimes with groundwater modeling, must be submitted. This report must be prepared by a consultant with a valid accreditation certificate.
•    Rainwater Harvesting and Recharge Proposal: A comprehensive and feasible proposal for implementing rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge measures on the premises.

5.  Other Documents

•    Authorization Letter: An authorization letter from the company or organization authorizing the signatory to apply for the NOC on its behalf.
•    Affidavits: In cases where groundwater requirement is less than 10 m3/day, an affidavit on a non-judicial stamp paper regarding the non-availability of water supply from local government agencies may be accepted.
 

The cost of obtaining a Registration from the Haryana Water Resources Authority (HWRA) for groundwater extraction involves several components, including application fees, a security deposit, and recurring abstraction or restoration charges. The specific costs depend heavily on the type of user (e.g., industrial, infrastructure), the quantum of water required, and, most importantly, the groundwater category of the area (Safe, Semi-critical, Critical, or Over-exploited).

1.  Govt.  Fee

--  For Industrial use

The government fee for industrial use application is Rs.25,000 for 10 to 100 cum/day water extraction, Rs.50,000 for more than 100 but less than 500 cum/day of groundwater extraction, Rs.1,00,000 for more than 500 but less than 1000 cum/day and Rs.1,50,000 for daily water extraction of more than 1000 cum/day. For renewal, the application fee is half the applicable fee for a new NOC.

--  For infrastructure use

For a Government /PSU/Semi-Government applicant, the Government fee is Rs.50,000 and for others, the fee is Rs. 1,50,000. For renewal, the application fee is half of the application fee for a new NOC.

--  For mining use

The Government fee for a Direct user is Rs.1,50,000 and for an indirect User, it is Rs.75,000. The renewal fee is half of the applicable fee for a new NOC.

2. Groundwater Abstraction/Restoration Charges

This is the most significant and recurring cost. The HWRA imposes charges based on the quantity of water extracted. The rates are calculated per cubic meter (m3) and vary significantly based on the groundwater category of the area and the volume of water withdrawn.
•    Groundwater Abstraction Charges: These are levied on industries in Safe, Semi-critical, and Critical areas. The rates increase as the quantum of groundwater withdrawal increases and as the groundwater situation becomes more stressed. For example, an industry in a "Critical" area will pay a higher rate per cubic meter than one in a "Safe" area for the same amount of water.
•    Groundwater Restoration Charges: These are applied to existing industries and new permitted projects in Over-exploited areas. The rates are significantly higher than the abstraction charges to discourage water use in these highly stressed zones and to fund restoration efforts.
The specific rates are detailed in the HWRA's guidelines and tables. For example, as per some of the past guidelines, the per cubic meter charge for an industry could range from as low as ₹1 to over ₹100, depending on the factors mentioned above.

Other Potential Costs:

•    Late Fee: If an existing industry fails to apply for an NOC by the specified deadline, a substantial late fee (e.g., ₹1 lakh) may be imposed.
•    Environmental Compensation: The HWRA has the authority to impose heavy penalties and environmental compensation on industries that illegally extract groundwater without a valid NOC or violate the terms and conditions of their permit.