Bare Act
The Andhra Pradesh Ground Water (Regulation For Drinking Water Purposes) Act, 1996
Environmental199614 sections
The Andhra Pradesh Ground Water (Regulation For Drinking Water Purposes) Act, 1996 safeguards public drinking water supplies across Andhra Pradesh by regulating groundwater extraction. It restricts the drilling of new wells near public drinking water sources, empowers authorities to declare over-exploited watersheds or water scarcity areas, and grants designated officials the right to inspect private lands. Applying to all citizens, landowners, and businesses in the state, the legislation prevents groundwater depletion and ensures prioritized access to safe drinking water for communities during shortages, establishing penalties for unauthorized digging or non-compliance with statutory regulations.
- 1. Short title extent and commencement
- 2. Definitions
- 3. Provided that it does not include a well intended for hand-drilling not exceeding a depth of fifteen meters.
- 4. Declaration of over exploited watershed
- 5. Prohibition of sinking of well in the vicinity of public drinking water source
- 6. Provided that such permission shall be subject to such terms and conditions as may be prescribed.
- 7. Power of the authority to enter upon any land
- 8. Provided that, no such entry shall be made without giving the owner or occupier of the land or premises at least twenty four hours notice in writing of the intention to do so.
- 9. Cognizance of offence
- 10. Offences by companies
- 11. Protection of action taken in good faith
- 12. Power to make rules
- 13. Power to remove difficulties
- 14. Repeal of Ordinance 5 of 1996
PDF: pending for this language.