In an effort to crack down on open borewells that are yet to be fitted with a pump, the State Karnataka government has said it will take strict action against rig companies and owners in such cases. The owner of the plot in which the borewell is dug is also obligated to construct a concrete wall around and display signage indicating danger.
The State government, in a set of new directions issued on Wednesday, has directed the district-level committees headed by the Deputy Commissioner to oversee sealing of yielding borewells until they are ready for use and closing of unyielding ones across the State.
The Committee headed by a Deputy Commissioner will comprise Chief Executive Officer of the Zilla Panchayat, Superintendent of Police, District Social Welfare Officer, District head of Mines and Geology, Executive Engineer, tahsidars of taluks and Executive Officers of Taluk Panchayat. The Existing guidelines have been revised after criticism following the Sulikeri incident, where a six-year-old boy fell in to an open well and rescue operations are still on. The Committee has also been tasked with creating awareness and ensuring that borewells are sealed by August 30. CEOs of Zilla Panchayat have to get joint affidavits for having sealed them from the subordinate authorities.
NoC is mandatory
It will be mandatory for the land owners to get No-Objection Certificate (NoC) from local authorities before sinking borewells in areas declared by Karnataka Groundwater Authority as over-exploited ground water areas. In other places, it is mandatory to get NoC in accordance with Karnataka Groundwater Act and sinking borewells with in 500 meters of an open well is prohibited.
Rig owners, from the State and outside, have to register with the office of the Deputy Commissioner and have necessary documents while transporting the machinery. Action will be initiated against those who fail to comply with this direction.
