Lok Sabha Question No. 2507 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-13
Subject: Borewell Deaths
Ministry: JAL SHAKTI
Asked by: Dr. D Ravi Kumar

## 2507. DR. D RAVI KUMAR

Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has any data on the borewell deaths occurred in the country during the last five years (2020-2025);

(b) if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise;

(c)  the  measures  taken/being  taken  by  the  Government  to  strictly  maintain  and  oversee  the  safety guidelines rolled out by the Supreme Court in the Orders dated 11.02.2010 and 06.08.2010;

(d) whether the Government proposes to enact a law to prevent borewell accidents and deaths, taking inspiration from Karnataka's newly enacted (Regulation and Control of Development and Management) (Amendment) Bill; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI

## ( SHRI RAJ BHUSHAN CHOUDHARY )

(a)  &  (b) M/o  Jal  Shakti  does  not  maintain  any  data  on  borewell  accidents/deaths  occurring  in  the country. However, as per the information received from the M/o Home Affairs, between the years 2020 and 2025, the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) has carried out total 37 operations in the country for borewell rescue, out of which 17 were successful.

(c) In order to propagate the safety guidelines framed by the Hon'ble Supreme Court vide its Order dated 11.02.2010 and 06.08.2010, the Ministry of Jal Shakti has written multiple letters to all the Chief Secretaries/Administrators of States/UTs, to take strict action for implementation of the guidelines and also  to  make  all  the  District  Collectors/Magistrates  responsible  for  effective  compliance.  Further Ministry has requested for constitution of a suitable Nodal Agency/ Department and Nodal Officer at each  administrative  level  (from  State  level  to  Gram  Panchayat  level)  in  every  state  who  shall  be responsible for ensuring effective implementation of the directions of Hon'ble Supreme Court. So far, 12  States/UTs  have  responded  and  intimated  regarding  constitution  of  such  Nodal  agency  in  their respective state.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI

## DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT & GANGA REJUVENATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2507

ANSWERED ON 13.03.2025

## BOREWELL DEATHS

In  addition  to  the  above,  the  Central  Ground  Water  Authority  (CGWA),  under  the  M/o  Jal Shakti, has issued Public Notices/Advisories dated 13.07.2021 and 21.01.2025 reiterating the Guidelines issued by Hon'ble Supreme Court for strict compliance.

(d)  &  (e) Water  being  a  State  subject,  the  responsibility  of  effective  regulation  of  ground  water extraction  and  associated  activities  like  drilling  of  borewells  and  their  maintenance,  is  primarily  the responsibility  of  the  state  governments.  The  Central  Government  largely  plays  an  advisory  role  and extends necessary guidance to the states as and when required.

The  M/o Jal Shakti had circulated a 'Model Bill to Regulate and Control the Development and Management of Ground Water' in the year 2005, to all the States/UTs to enable them to enact suitable ground water legislation for regulation of its development. The Bill included the provisions like Grant of permit for sinking a new borewell; Registration of  existing borewell-owners; Registration of Drilling Agencies; Restrictions of the depth and diameter of bore wells; Restriction on purpose of use of ground water etc. which are meant for effective compliance management on the part of borewell drillers as well as owners leading to prevention of unfortunate borewell accidents. So far, 21 States/UTs have adopted and implemented the ground water legislation, Karnataka being one of them.

Additionally,  the  Guidelines  dated  24.09.2020  issued  by  CGWA  for  ground  water  regulation also prescribe that it shall be the responsibility of State / UT Governments for registering drilling rigs operating  within  their  jurisdiction  and  for  maintaining  the  database  of  wells  drilled  by  them.  Going further  ahead,  CGWA  Guidelines  impose  a  mandatory  condition  on  the  projects  seeking  NOC  for ground water extraction, that in case of failure of well, such defunct well shall be properly sealed and documentary proof in this regard shall be submitted.

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