Maharashtra govt bans digging of bore wells

In order to check the steep decline in ground water level cross Maharashtra, the state government has decided to restrict digging of borewells beyond 200 feet.

Addressing a press conference in Mantralaya or the state secretariat in Mumbai yesterday, state Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Babanrao Lonikar has said that the move is necessitated in the wake for severe drought and decreasing ground water level across various regions in the state.

He informed that special workshops were conducted for the concerned officials to discuss the ways for



implementation of Maharashtra Groundwater Development and Management Act to control the excess water pumping through borewell.

He said that it was decided to restrict the digging of borewell and treat it as a punishable offence. The violators of the rule would now face fine or even imprisonment. He reiterated that the attempts are being made to conserve ground water till monsoon. 

Mr. Lonikara informed about, in the prevailing drought conditions across the state, the Government's widespread efforts to provide relief to the citizens.