Nagpur: A sharp decline in groundwater levels and low reservoir storage have prompted the Nagpur district administration to impose a blanket ban on digging new borewells and deepening existing ones across urban and rural areas.District collector Kumar Ashirwad, who also chairs the District Disaster Management Authority, issued the order under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, with immediate effect.The ban covers private individuals, farmers, housing societies, builders, industries, commercial establishments and institutions. Borewell contractors, rig owners and machine operators are also prohibited from undertaking such work.Borewell work undertaken by govt departments to tackle water scarcity and ensure public drinking water supply has been exempted. Contractors executing such projects under official govt work orders may also proceed, provided they keep the work order, administrative approval from the competent authority and documents establishing the work’s link to water scarcity mitigation ready for inspection.All exempted works must comply with groundwater laws, technical standards and safety norms, the order stated.Sub-divisional officers will monitor enforcement in their respective jurisdictions. The collector has directed tahsildars, police, local self-govt bodies and the Groundwater Survey and Development Agency (GSDA) to conduct joint field inspections and take action to prevent prohibited drilling.Violations or obstruction of enforcement will invite legal action under Section 51 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and other applicable laws.Tahsildars and local bodies have been directed to publicise the order widely and submit preliminary implementation reports immediately. Copies must be displayed on notice boards and published on official websites.The administration has clarified that the restriction applies only to new borewells and the deepening of existing ones. The use of existing borewells remains permitted.INFOBOXWhat is banned: Digging of new borewells / tube wells and deepening of existing borewells in Nagpur districtWhere applicable: Entire Nagpur district – both urban and rural areasTill when: Till further orders – immediate effectWhom it applies to: Private individuals, farmers, housing societies, builders, industries, commercial establishments, rig owners & borewell contractorsExemption: Only govt works for mitigating drinking water scarcity with valid work order & approvals. Monitoring: SDOs to monitor; tahsildars, police, local bodies & GSDA to conduct joint inspectionsPenalty: Action under Section 51 of Disaster Management Act, 2005 and other applicable lawsClarification: Use of existing borewells is NOT banned
