Bhopal declared water-scarce:Ban on private tubewell drilling; FIR and up to 2 years’ jail for illegal boring

Bhopal district has been declared a water-deficient area, and private tubewell and borewell drilling has been banned with immediate effect. The order was issued by Bhopal Collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh on Friday. According to the order, no tubewell or borewell drilling will be allowed anywhere in the district without prior permission from the administration. If anyone carries out illegal drilling or brings a boring machine into the district, the concerned SDM and police officials have been authorised to seize the machine and register an FIR. Violation of the order can lead to a fine of ₹2,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both. The administration has also banned the movement of borewell drilling machines through the district without permission. Order issued earlier this year The restriction has been imposed earlier than usual due to intense heat and falling groundwater levels. Last year, a similar order was issued on April 7, but this year it has been implemented about 25 days earlier. The order will remain in force until June 30. Government works exempted The collector’s order clarifies that the restriction applies only to private tubewell and borewell drilling. Drilling work carried out under government schemes will not be affected. No special permission will be required for work undertaken by the Public Health Engineering Department (PHE). Step to prevent drinking water crisis Officials said groundwater in the district is being heavily used for agricultural and commercial purposes, leading to a rapid decline in water levels. The administration fears a drinking water crisis during the upcoming summer months if private drilling continues. Officials said the restriction has been imposed to control groundwater exploitation and ensure adequate drinking water supply. Order issued under state law The collector said the order has been issued under the Madhya Pradesh Drinking Water Conservation Act, 1986, and its 2002 amendment. Under Section 3 of the Act, both urban and rural areas of Bhopal district have been declared water-scarce. Under Section 6(1), private and non-government tubewell drilling has been banned across the district.