Archive · 22 May 2025
Mumbai to Monitor Wells to Curb Illegal Water Extraction
Imagine Mumbai's water supply comes from wells, but some people might be taking too much water without permission.
This is causing problems.
The government is now checking these wells, making sure they have permission and are not taking too much water.
An activist helped start this process.
If people take water without permission, they can get into big trouble with fines and even jail time.
The government wants to make sure there is enough water for everyone, especially in the hot summer months.
It's a big business with lots of money involved, so making sure it's done fairly is important.
Mumbai authorities are now tracking 620 wells for monitoring illegal water extraction, a first since 2017.
This action follows a decade-long campaign by groundwater activist Suresh Kumar Dhoka.
Wells extracting water for commercial use without a NOC from the CGWA can face criminal charges and hefty fines.
Approximately 3,000 tankers extract water from Mumbai's wells daily.
The illegal groundwater business is estimated to be worth around Rs 3-4 lakh crore.
- Who
- Mumbai's authorities, groundwater activist Suresh Kumar Dhoka, and well owners
- What
- Monitoring and regulating water extraction from wells, making NOCs mandatory.
- When
- Since 2017, with recent increased monitoring.
- Where
- Mumbai, India
- Why
- To check illegal groundwater exploitation, especially during summer.
- Wells Under Monitoring
- 620
- Total Wells in Mumbai
- Over 18,000
- NOC Mandate Established
- 2017
- Estimated Value of Illegal Business
- Rs 3-4 lakh crore
- Daily Tanker Extractions
- Approximately 3,000
- Potential Fines for Non-Compliance
- Rs 2-5 lakh and/or jail time