State Legislation
Karnataka GW Act
State law for groundwater regulation
- KSGWA establishment
- Zone-based restrictions
- NOC requirements
- Penalty provisions
🏛️
Government of Karnataka
Karnataka Groundwater Management Platform
From Bengaluru IT parks to Dharwad industries - complete groundwater governance
Karnataka GW Act
BBMP Integrated
7-15 Day Processing
Groundwater: The Lifeline of Karnataka
Understanding the cultural, social, and economic significance of water in our state
From the ancient irrigation systems of Hampi to Bengaluru's tech campuses, Karnataka's prosperity has always flowed with water. Today, groundwater powers India's Silicon Valley, sustains millions of farmers, and keeps industries running.
Cultural & Historical Significance
Karnataka's water engineering spans millennia:
- Vijayanagara Waterworks: The Hampi empire created sophisticated canal systems and tanks — the Tungabhadra reservoir fed thousands of hectares and recharged aquifers across the Deccan.
- Temple Tanks (Kalyani): Sacred tanks at Melukote, Sringeri, and thousands of temples served as community water sources and groundwater recharge structures.
- Kere (Tank) Tradition: Old Mysore had 38,000+ tanks — an interconnected water management system that fed both surface and groundwater.
- Bangalore's Lake System: The city was designed around 280 interconnected lakes by Kempegowda — most now encroached, but historically vital for recharge.
Economic Engine Powered by Groundwater
Karnataka's ₹20+ lakh crore economy — India's 4th largest — depends heavily on water:
India's Silicon Valley
Bengaluru hosts Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Infosys, Wipro and thousands of startups. Tech campuses require reliable water for operations, cooling systems, and employee amenities.
15 Lakh+
IT professionals in Bengaluru
Coffee & Plantation Economy
Coorg, Chikmagalur, and Hassan produce 70% of India's coffee. Plantations depend on groundwater during dry months for irrigation and processing.
₹8,000 Cr
Annual coffee production value
Agricultural Heartland
Karnataka grows sugarcane, rice, ragi, and pulses. North Karnataka and Mandya district rely on 80%+ groundwater irrigation for farming.
72 Lakh
Farmer families in Karnataka
Industrial Corridor
Peenya (Asia's largest industrial area), Belgaum textiles, and Hubballi-Dharwad engineering units require significant water for manufacturing.
45,000+
MSMEs in Bengaluru alone
Impact on People's Lives
Groundwater touches every aspect of life in Karnataka:
Bengaluru Water Crisis
India's IT capital faces acute water shortage. Over 50% of households depend on borewells as BWSSB supply falls short. Tankers are a daily reality for lakhs of families.
Rural Dependence
In North Karnataka (Gulbarga, Bijapur, Raichur), borewells are often the only water source for drinking and farming. Failed borewells cause migration.
Water Economy Jobs
50,000+ tanker operators in Bengaluru alone, plus borewell drillers, pump dealers, RO system installers — a massive informal economy.
Health Impact
Fluoride contamination in Bellary and iron content in coastal Karnataka affect public health. Water quality depends on sustainable extraction.
🌱 Why Sustainable Management Matters
65%
of Bengaluru blocks are over-exploited
4-6m
average water table decline per year in Bengaluru
₹3,000 Cr
annual economic loss from water scarcity
Bhujal helps protect Karnataka's water future through scientific monitoring, mandatory rainwater harvesting integration, and sustainable extraction — ensuring water for generations to come.
Groundwater Services in Karnataka
Apply for NOC
New borewell/extraction permit
⏱️ 7-15 daysRenew NOC
Annual permit renewal
⏱️ 5-7 daysTrack Application
Real-time status check
⏱️ InstantZone Check
Verify area classification
⏱️ InstantBengaluru Special
BBMP area requirements
⏱️ Extended scrutinyGrievance
Report violations
⏱️ 48-hour responseNOC Application Process in Karnataka
1
Registration
Create account on Karnataka GW portal using Aadhaar.
2
Application Form
Fill details: location, extraction volume, purpose, borewell specs.
3
Documents
Upload: Land proof, site plan, Aadhaar, BBMP clearance (Bengaluru).
4
Fee Payment
Pay online. Fees vary by zone and volume.
5
Verification
Site inspection for critical/over-exploited zones.
6
NOC Issuance
Download digital certificate.
Karnataka Groundwater Regulations
Urban Bengaluru
BBMP Guidelines
Special rules for Bengaluru Urban
- Mandatory rainwater harvesting
- Borewell depth restrictions
- BWSSB coordination
Official Resources
Karnataka Groundwater FAQ
Is borewell permission mandatory in Bengaluru?
Yes. Bengaluru Urban is classified as over-exploited. All new borewells require NOC from KSGWA plus BBMP clearance. Rainwater harvesting is mandatory.
What is the borewell depth limit in Karnataka?
Depth limits vary by zone. In Bengaluru Urban, borewells below certain depths require special permission. Check zone-specific guidelines.
How much does NOC cost in Karnataka?
Fees depend on extraction volume and zone. Industrial users pay higher fees than residential. Contact KSGWA for current fee schedule.
Can I dig borewell in farmland without permission?
Agricultural use has certain exemptions, but registration is still required in critical zones. Check with local taluk office.
Contact KSGWA
Karnataka State Groundwater Authority
📍 Bengaluru, Karnataka
📞 080-XXXX-XXXX
📧 ksgwa@karnataka.gov.in
District Offices
Bengaluru | Mysuru | Hubballi | Mangaluru | Gulbarga