Provided that it does not include a well intended for hand-drilling not exceeding a depth of fifteen meters.

Regulation of extraction of ground water Regulation of extraction of ground water.--

1. (1) Any person desiring to sink a well for any purpose in the areas notified under section 3 shall apply to the Authority for the grant of a permit for this purpose and shall not proceed with any activity connected with such sinking unless a permit has been granted by the Authority.
2. (2) Every application under subsection
3. (1) shall be made in such form and in such manner and shall contain such particulars as may be prescribed.
4. (3) On receipt of an application under subsection (1), the Authority may, if it is satisfied that the drilling, sinking or equipment of the well is not likely to affect the quantity or quality of the water in any public drinking water source, grant the permit on such terms and conditions and subject to such restrictions as it may think fit. Provided that if the Authority is satisfied that the drilling, sinking or equipment of the well is likely to affect the quantity or quality of the water in any public drinking water source, it may, after giving the applicant an opportunity of being heard, refuse to grant the permit.