Second Amendment Punjab Groundwater Extraction and Conservation Directions, 2023

EXTRAORDINARY Published by Authority CHANDIGARH, THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023 (BHADRA 9, 1945 SAKA) GOVERNMENT OF PUNJAB PUNJAB WATER REGULATION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY NOTIFICATION The 31st August, 2023 No.75340:PWRDA-PWRDOGENL/37/2021-PWRDA-BR.–In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 15(2) of the Punjab Water Resources (Management and Regulation) Act, 2020 and all other powers enabling it in this behalf, the Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority hereby issues the following amendment to the Punjab Groundwater Extraction and Conservation Directions, 2023 issued by notification no. 75340/PWRDA-PWRDOGENL/37/2021-PWRDA-BR/418 dated 27.01.2023. AMENDMENT In the Punjab Groundwater Extraction and Conservation Directions, 2023: 1. In Chapter 3 (a) In Paragraph 3.6, in sub-paragraph (B), for the words “within six months from the date of commencement of the Directions” the words “within such time period as stipulated by the Authority” shall be substituted. (b) In Paragraph 3.7, in sub-paragraph (B), for the words “within six months from the date of commencement of the Directions” the words “within such time period as stipulated by the Authority” shall be substituted. (c) In Paragraph 3.17, for the words “After six months from the date of commencement of the Directions” the words “After such time period as stipulated by the Authority” shall be substituted. (d) In Paragraph 3.19, for the words and figures “within 6 months of grant of permission” the words “within six months from the date of installation of extraction structures” shall be substituted. 2. In Chapter 4 in paragraph 4.8, for sub-paragraph (D), the following shall be substituted: PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), AUGUST 31, 2023 (BHDR 9, 1945 SAKA) “For the period from the date of commencement of the Directions up to the date of installation of water meters, a User shall pay groundwater charges for the entire volume of groundwater for which Permission is sought. The User shall install the water meters of required specifications within three months of the date of permission as required under paragraph 5.1 C of these Directions. In case the User is granted Permission for a different volume of groundwater than applied for, then the difference in payment, if any, will be paid by the User or adjusted in future payment cycles, as the case may be. It is clarified that in case an existing Unit had already installed water meters (even if not of required specifications) on the date of commencement of these Directions, then it shall pay Groundwater extraction charges as per the readings of such water meters for the period from the date of commencement of the Directions to the date of installation of water meters of required specifications, being not beyond a period of three months from the date of permission.” 3. In Chapter 6 (a) In paragraph 6.2, in sub paragraph (i), the following shall be added in the end: “In case a User has installed water meters (even if not of required specifications) on all extraction structures and submits readings of such water meters, the Groundwater Compensation Charges shall apply on the actual volume of groundwater extracted based on these water meter readings. Otherwise, Groundwater Compensation Charges shall be on the entire volume of groundwater for which permission is applied for”. (b) In paragraph 6.2, in sub paragraph (vii), for the word “billing” the word “payment” shall be substituted. 4. This amendment shall be deemed to have come into force on and with effect from the 1st day of February, 2023. Sd/- Chandigarh Secretary The 31st August, 2023 Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority