affidavit stating that since 1962 and onwards, water levels in country are declining. During 1971 to 1983, fall in water level was 4 meters to 8 meters in National Capital Territory. There was a further fall of water level from 4 meters to more than 8 meters during 1983 to 1985. One of the reasons stated in the affidavit for decline of water level was, enhanced pumpage. Consequently, Supreme Court issued notice to Government of India through Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources and Government of National Capital Territory, Delhi. The factual position regarding fall of water levels in the country was admitted in the affidavits filed by various authorities before Supreme Court. Thereafter, vide order dated 04.09.1996, Supreme Court requested Director, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (hereinafter referred to as ‘NEERI’ ) to examine the matter at institute level, by experts in the field, and submit report. NEERI was also required to submit suggestions and recommendations for checking further decline of underground water level. Consequently, NEERI submitted Report dated 23.09.1996 with the title “Water Resources Management in India, Present Status and Solution Paradigm”. An affidavit dated 24.10.1996 was filed on behalf of Ministry of Water Resources, by Additional Secretary, making comments on NEERI report, indicating an overall declining water level picture in the country, and also, schemes and activities undertaken by Government of India through various departments to monitor ground water. It was pointed out that in order to arrest depleting trend and to avoid indiscriminate withdrawal of ground water, Government of India had circulated a Model Bill to States/Union Territories, in 1970, to help them to bring out suitable legislation on the lines of Model Bill to regulate and control development of ground water in the respective areas.
