BHU-NEER Portal

The Minister of State for Jal Shakti recently informed the Lok Sabha about the launch of the BHU-NEER Portal, a significant initiative to streamline groundwater management in India.

About the BHU-NEER Portal

• Launched: 2024

• Developed By: Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

Purpose:

The BHU-NEER Portal aims to regulate groundwater development and management across the country. The portal is designed to facilitate a smooth and efficient process for the filing of No Objection Certificate (NOC) applications for groundwater abstraction (withdrawal).

Key Features:

1. Centralized Database:

   • The portal hosts a centralized database that allows users to access essential information related to groundwater compliance, policies, and sustainable practices.

2. Simplified User Interface:

   • The portal provides a user-friendly interface with easy navigation, making it simpler for project proponents to apply for groundwater withdrawal permits.

3. PAN-based Single ID System:

   • A PAN-based single ID system is integrated, making the application process more streamlined and efficient.

4. NOC with QR Code:

   • The portal issues NOCs with QR codes, making it easier for authorities and users to validate and track approval statuses.

5. Improvement Over Previous System:

   • The BHU-NEER Portal marks a significant improvement over the previous version, NOCAP. It enhances the user experience with a simplified and more informative system.

Primary Purpose of the Portal:

The BHU-NEER Portal serves as the online platform for applying and processing NOCs for the extraction of groundwater, particularly for:

• Industries

• Infrastructure Projects

• Mining Projects

Significance of the Portal:

1. Sustainable Groundwater Management:

   • The portal plays a critical role in enforcing guidelines that aim to curb indiscriminate groundwater extraction, ensuring the sustainable management of India's precious groundwater resources.

2. Quick and Efficient Process:

   • The portal ensures that industries and project developers have quick access to groundwater extraction permits, enhancing efficiency in regulatory processes.

3. Environmental Impact:

   • By helping to regulate groundwater extraction, the portal contributes to long-term sustainability and the preservation of water resources.

Conclusion:

The BHU-NEER Portal is a significant step toward modernizing groundwater management in India, ensuring that the extraction and usage of groundwater is well-regulated. This initiative aligns with the country's broader goals of water conservation and sustainable resource management