Vidhi Codex

Bare Act

The Maharashtra Groundwater (Regulation of Drinking Water Purposes) Act, 1993

General199320 sections

This Act aims to secure drinking water for the public in Maharashtra by regulating groundwater extraction. It empowers authorities to restrict or prohibit the sinking of new wells near public drinking water sources and in areas declared as "over-exploited" or "water scarcity" zones. The law prioritizes human consumption and cattle needs over irrigation or commercial use during shortages. It grants officials powers to inspect land, seal unauthorized wells, and penalize violations. For citizens, it means that while they have rights to their land, these are subject to strict regulations when public water security is at risk.

Start reading →Read full ActSections
  1. 1. Short title, extent and commencement
  2. 2. Definitions
  3. 3. Prohibition of construction of wells within certain limits
  4. 4. Declaration of water scarcity area
  5. 5. Regulation of extraction of water from wells in water scarcity area
  6. 6. Declaration of over-exploited watershed
  7. 7. Prohibition of sinking of wells in over-exploited watershed
  8. 8. Prohibition of extraction of water from an existing well for certain period
  9. 9. Closing down existing well
  10. 10. Power of entry upon any land for obtaining information
  11. 11. Power to stop contravention of the provisions of section 3, 5, 7, 8, or
  12. 12. Payment of Compensation
  13. 13. Bar to claim damages or Compensation
  14. 14. Appeals
  15. 15. Protection of action taken in good faith
  16. 16. Penalty
  17. 17. Service of notice
  18. 18. Over-riding effect of Act
  19. 19. Power to make rules
  20. 20. Power to remove difficulties

PDF: pending for this language.