Which one of the following has been constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, of 1986?

1. Central Water Commission
2. Central Ground Water Board
3. Central Ground Water Authority
4. National Water Development Agency

Explanation

Option (c) is correct

• Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA): CGWA was constituted in January 1997 under sub-section (3) of Section 3 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986. It is responsible for the regulation and control of groundwater development and management at the central level.
• Powers & Functions: Exercise of powers under section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 for issuing directions and taking such measures in respect of all the matters referred to in sub-section(2) of section 3 of the said Act.
  • To resort to penal provisions contained in sections 15 to 21 of the said Act.
  • To regulate and control, management and development of ground water in the country and to issue necessary regulatory directions for the purpose.
  • Exercise of powers under section 4 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 for the appointment of officers.

Option (a) is incorrect

• CWC is a premier technical organization in India in the field of water resources. Functions as an attached office of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation. It is entrusted with initiating, coordinating, and furthering schemes for the control, conservation, and utilization of water resources across the country. Focus areas include flood control, irrigation, navigation, drinking water supply, and water power development. Undertakes investigations, construction, and execution of water resource schemes as required.
• It is headed by a chairman, who holds the status of Ex-Officio Secretary to the Government of India.

Option (b) is incorrect

• It is a multi-disciplinary scientific organisation under the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti. The agency responsible for scientific inputs for the management, exploration, monitoring, assessment, augmentation, and regulation of India’s groundwater resources.
• Mandate:
  • Development and dissemination of technologies.
  • Monitoring and implementation of national policies for the sustainable and scientific development of groundwater resources.
  • Exploration, assessment, conservation, augmentation, pollution protection, and equitable distribution of groundwater resources based on economic and ecological principles.
• Key activities:
  • National Aquifer Mapping and Management (NAQUIM): Involves the preparation of Aquifer Maps and Management Plans.
  • Ground Water Exploration: Identifies groundwater-worthy areas and potential aquifers.
  • Geophysical Surveys: Delineates groundwater-bearing zones.
  • Groundwater Resource Assessment: Periodic evaluation of the country’s groundwater resources.
  • Monitoring: Regular monitoring of groundwater levels and quality through observation wells.
  • Data Dissemination: Sharing groundwater data and knowledge.
  • Groundwater Modeling: Conducting models for understanding groundwater dynamics.
  • GIS and Remote Sensing: Utilized for groundwater studies.
  • Regulation and Control: Groundwater development and management regulated by CGWA in coordination with State Government Organizations.

Option (d) is incorrect

• NWDA was established in 1982 as a Registered Society to conduct detailed studies, surveys, and investigations for the Peninsular Component of the National Perspective Plan (NPP) for Water Resources Development.

Answer: (c) Central Ground Water Authority; Difficulty Level: Hard