Grant of permit to sink well

(1) No person shall, either himself or through any person on his behalf, engage in sinking any well in any area of the municipality for any purpose without obtaining a permit from the Commissioner: Provided that this sub-section shall not apply for sinking of well for domestic purpose: Provided further that this sub-section shall not apply to the "Scheduled area" as defined in clause (g) of section 2 of the Chennai Metropolitan Area Groundwater (Regulation) Act, 1987 (Tamil Nadu Act 27 of 1987). (2) Any person desiring to sink a well shall apply to the Commissioner, for grant of permit for this purpose and shall not proceed with any activity connected with such sinking of well, unless a permit has been granted by the Commissioner. (3) Every application for grant of permit shall be made in such form and contain such particulars as may be prescribed, and shall be accompanied by such fee not exceeding Rs. 10,000, as may be prescribed. (4) On receipt of an application under sub-section (2), the Commissioner may grant, subject to such conditions and restrictions as he may specify, a permit authorising to sink well or refuse to grant such permit: Provided that no permit shall be refused unless the applicant has been given an opportunity of being heard. (5) The decision regarding the grant or refusal to grant the permit shall be intimated by the Commissioner to the applicant within such period as may be prescribed. (6) Any person aggrieved by the decision of the Commissioner under sub-section (5) may, within such period and in such manner as may be prescribed, appeal to such authority as may be specified by the Government, by notification, in this behalf. (7) The owner of every well in use or disuse shall follow such safety measures, as may be prescribed.