Key Authority
TWAD Board
Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board
- Water supply management
- Groundwater source monitoring
- Rural water schemes
🏛️
Government of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu Groundwater Management Platform
From Chennai's critical zones to delta districts - sustainable groundwater governance
TN GO Compliant
TWAD Integration
15-30 Day Processing
Groundwater Services in Tamil Nadu
NOC Process in Tamil Nadu
1
Registration
Create account on TN PWD/TWAD portal.
2
RWH Compliance
Verify rainwater harvesting installation. Mandatory in urban areas.
3
Application
Complete form with site details, purpose, and volume.
4
Documents
Patta, site plan, Aadhaar, RWH certificate, building approval.
5
Fee & Verification
Pay online. Site inspection for industries and Chennai applications.
6
NOC Issuance
Download e-certificate with conditions.
Tamil Nadu Groundwater Regulations
Mandatory
RWH Rules
Rainwater Harvesting Requirements
- Mandatory in all urban areas
- Required for building approvals
- Non-compliance attracts penalty
Chennai Special Zone
Critical/Over-Exploited classification
- Strict new borewell restrictions
- CMWSSB coordination required
- Industrial NOCs severely limited
Government Orders
State GOs for groundwater
- GO regulating extraction
- Zone classification orders
- Penalty provisions
Tamil Nadu Groundwater FAQ
Is rainwater harvesting mandatory in Tamil Nadu?
Yes. Tamil Nadu was the first state to mandate rainwater harvesting. All buildings (existing and new) must have RWH structures. Non-compliance attracts penalties and water connection disconnection.
Can I dig borewell in Chennai?
Chennai is classified as over-exploited. New industrial/commercial borewells are extremely restricted. For domestic use, strict conditions apply including mandatory RWH and specific depth limits.
What is the role of CMWSSB in groundwater?
Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) coordinates with CGWA for groundwater management in Chennai. Applications in Chennai area may require CMWSSB clearance.
Are agricultural borewells exempt?
Agricultural users have relaxed requirements in many districts, but registration is still recommended, especially in critical zones. Delta districts have special provisions.
Contact
PWD Ground Water Wing
📍 PWD Complex, Chepauk
Chennai - 600005
📞 044-XXXX-XXXX
📧 groundwater@tn.gov.in
Regional Offices
Chennai | Coimbatore | Madurai | Trichy | Salem | Tirunelveli