(Feature Image: Illustration on deepening groundwater levels in India by Binay, Source: IWP)
This overview tracks the major judicial interventions concerning groundwater conservation and management in India during 2025, highlighting persistent failure to address the gaps in governance. The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) have been criticized for no real action, inadequate data, weak transparency and poor enforcement. The inefficiency of state-level groundwater authorities reflects a deeper systemic failure.
In the case of groundwater consumption in cricket stadiums across several states, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has extended scrutiny to non-essential groundwater use. However, the matter has remained unresolved since April 2021. In Punjab, the High Court only recently has raised concerns over the free electricity policy accelerating groundwater depletion thus exposing the link between policy incentives and over-extraction. The NGT has also taken note of groundwater contamination caused by agricultural runoff in the state, it is to be seen what action this leads to.
In Rajasthan, efforts by the NGT to curb illegal groundwater extraction in industrial areas were diluted by the High Court’s stay order on the matter, reflecting a tension between environmental regulation and economic priorities. In Uttar Pradesh, the NGT has addressed both illegal extraction and severe contamination by heavy metals and even recommended medical interventions, thereby underscoring the public health dimension of groundwater degradation. In Maharashtra, the Tribunal has enforced accountability by penalizing a sugar mill for polluting water resources.
Overall, the effectiveness of judicial responses is being undermined by delayed compliance, administrative apathy and conflicting court orders. While the judiciary is playing an important role in highlighting the crisis, its interventions have so far been insufficient to address India’s groundwater governance challenges.
1 NGT criticizes status of groundwater report Expressing displeasure at the report filed by the CGWA on the status of groundwater in India, NGT Jan 30, 2026 said the report is vague. The information, such as district-wise details of units in over-exploited area of states, was not provided. The order can be seen here.
With regard to criteria for permitting developmental activities / infrastructure in over-exploited / stressed areas, no information has been provided. When asked, it was informed that the respective state ground water regulatory bodies have laid down the criteria and accorded permissions. Similar is the position with regard to other information also.
When enquired about the constitution of state-level groundwater regulatory bodies, it was informed that only few states have constituted while majority of others are yet to be formed. The counsel was unable to provide information with regard to the functioning, staff and discharge of duties by the state / UT-level groundwater regulating authorities.
In view of the seriousness of the issue which affects large part of the country, where the danger of depleting ground water is a major concern, further aggravated by the climate change issues, NGT directed CGWA to file a report providing specific information in respect of each of the points as sought vide order, April 28, 2025 and also with regard to the constitution of the state level / UT ground water regulatory authorities indicating the timelines of constitution if they have not been formed so far, along with details of EC / penalties imposed by each of the state / UT ground water authority, before the next date of hearing, April 23, 2026.
The application was registered suo moto on the basis of the news item published in Hindustan Times, October 26, 2023. As per the said news report, some areas in the Indo Gangetic region are experiencing groundwater depletion in north western region and is predicted to experience critically low ground water availability by 2025.
NGT Critiques Shoddy CGWA report It is strange that NGT has given CGWA time till Apr 23 2026 to provide this basic information. This also shows the lax way the judicial bodies have dealt with such important matter. CGWA in fact has become a licensing body for groundwater use in India. The judiciary has so far failed to ensure regulated use of groundwater and proper functioning of CGWA and state regulatory authorities. One hopes the judicial bodies become more serious in these important issues.
2 NGT asks CGWB, 3 states on action taken against groundwater extraction cases The NGT in Sept. 2025 directed District Collectors to initiate action against unauthorized groundwater extraction carried out without a No Objection Certificate (NOC). It has also sought a report from the CGWA regarding the actions taken in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh over the past five years.
The NGT’s Central Zone Bench issued these orders in response to a petition filed by Tahir Hussain. The Bench has directed all District Collectors to take strict action in cases involving groundwater extraction without the requisite NOC. They have been instructed to take immediate appropriate measures to address the groundwater crisis & curb its over-extraction.
The NGT on Sept. 24, 2020 had directed the CGWA to take action against unauthorized groundwater extraction across all states. Subsequently, the CGWA delegated the responsibility for taking such action to the District Collectors. According to reports, groundwater is currently being extracted without permission in over 409 industrial areas across Rajasthan. The NGT has ordered that a detailed report outlining the action taken thus far in this regard be submitted by Nov. 19, 2025.
3 NGT pulls up cricket stadiums for using groundwater The NGT on Jan. 22, 2026 pulled up various cricket stadiums across the country for still using groundwater to irrigate their grounds, instead of treated wastewater, as per a recent order. It also imposed a fine of ₹5,000 each on Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi and 11 other stadiums for not submitting the required details about their water usage to the CGWA, as ordered by the court.
On the issue of non-submission of the required details by 12 cricket associations, the court said it has “delayed” the decision in this matter. “Hence, cost of ₹5,000/- each is imposed upon the above 12 cricket associations who have not submitted a copy of the reply to the CGWA… Subject to deposit of this cost, these 12 cricket associations are granted six weeks’ time to furnish a copy of the reply to the CGWA,” the order said.
The matter is ongoing since April 2021. The MoJS in Aug 2023 had disclosed that out of 26 stadiums inspected across the country, 24 had borewells or tubewells for extracting groundwater, and only four stadiums had groundwater NOC. The report also said that 22 stadiums were partially compliant on the installation of rainwater harvesting mechanisms, the use of treated water, and NOC for extracting groundwater. The NGT then issued notices to the 22 stadiums.
In a Jan 20, 2026 report to NGT, the CGWA said 10 stadiums shared compliance reports, while the remaining 12 were yet to share these despite NGT issuing orders in March, July and Oct 2025. The stadiums that did not submit their replies are stadiums in Delhi, Rajkot, Raipur, Pune, Jaipur, Indore, Mumbai, Kanpur, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Dharamshala and Cuttack. It asked for appropriate directions to the 12 stadiums. It said that Eden Gardens had operationalised a 150 KLD STP, while Wankhede had rainwater harvesting pits operational since 2017 and installed three additional ring wells as pits.
Rejecting the plea that treated water was unavailable, NGT observed that such conduct reflected reluctance to comply with environmental norms and posed a serious threat to groundwater sustainability. The tribunal also noted that stadiums at Nagpur, Kolkata (Eden Gardens), Lahli (Haryana), Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) and Guwahati continued to use groundwater. These associations were granted six weeks to submit explanations and disclose steps taken to eliminate or reduce groundwater usage.
The Tribunal observed that several stadiums continue to draw large quantities of groundwater for the irrigation of pitches and surrounding green areas. The IS Bindra Stadium PCA Stadium, Mohali, was panned for using 6,000 kilolitres of groundwater per month, despite the availability of secondary and tertiary treated water from nearby STPs, as submitted by Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA).
For the stadiums that had already submitted details of the use of groundwater and treated water, and the status of rainwater harvesting systems, the tribunal sought more details, including the steps taken to avoid the use of groundwater for irrigating the cricket ground. The next hearing on April 16, 2026.
In their submission, GMADA and Municipal Corporation clarified that the I S Bindra Stadium lacks on-site STP infrastructure, and no provision exists for supply of treated water from external STPs. No fresh water is being supplied by the MC to the stadium, leaving groundwater extraction the only viable option. The matter remains under the purview of the NGT.
4 Punjab HC questions power misuse for Groundwater The division bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu & Justice Sanjiv Berry is hearing a petition filed by Balraj Singh Sandhu, a resident of Patti in Tarn Taran district, through advocate Gurnoor Singh Sandhu on March 17 2026. It challenged the supply of 24-hr free and unmetered electricity to many agricultural consumers in violation of state policy. It asked, “How can you extract more groundwater than what is available?”
The court was told that despite a policy restricting free power supply to about eight hours during the paddy season, around 300 agricultural connections in Patti subdivision alone were allegedly drawing electricity round the clock. The figure emerged from a reply furnished by the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) to an RTI application filed by the petitioner. The petitioner pointed out that PSPCL itself had admitted it was unable to disconnect these connections due to opposition from farmers and consumers. The petitioner argued that the issue extended across Punjab, where similar connections had been granted to selected consumers. HC directed the CGWB, a respondent, to file a detailed reply, including any recommendations on curbing excessive groundwater exploitation in Punjab.
5 Punjab NGT takes notice of agricultural runoff polluting groundwater A recent report submitted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to the NGT has raised serious concerns over groundwater contamination in Punjab, attributing a significant part of the problem to agricultural runoff. The case stems from an order issued by the NGT in April 2024, when the Tribunal took suo motu cognizance of a news report. The Tribunal directed authorities to investigate the issue and submit detailed findings.
According to the CPCB’s findings, harmful substances such as nitrates, heavy metals, and pesticide residues have been detected in groundwater across several districts, in some cases exceeding permissible drinking water limits. Apart from agriculture, the CPCB also identified other contributing factors, including industrial discharge, untreated sewage, and naturally occurring contaminants.
The Tribunal noted that the issue is multi-dimensional and requires coordinated action across sectors. Expressing concern over public health risks, the NGT has directed authorities to identify contaminated zones, declare unsafe water sources, and ensure the supply of clean drinking water to affected populations. It has also called for a detailed investigation into pollution sources and stricter monitoring mechanisms.
6 Rajasthan HC stays NGT curbs on groundwater supply in RIICO industrial areas The Rajasthan High Court, Jodhpur bench, has ruled in favour of the Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation regarding the continuation of groundwater-based water supply in industrial areas. RIICO is currently supplying water sourced from groundwater in 108 industrial areas across the state. Earlier, through orders dated Sept 24, 2025, and Jan 21, 2026 the NGT-Bhopal bench, had imposed restrictions on groundwater supply in industrial areas in 17 districts. This had affected water availability in these areas.
RIICO filed a writ petition before the High Court against these orders. In its order dated March 18, 2026, the court granted a stay on the NGT’s restriction on groundwater supply, including recovery of groundwater extraction charges, until the next hearing. Following the High Court’s order, water supply arrangements in all 108 industrial areas will continue.
RIICO also presented its position before the NGT during the hearing on March 19, 2026, and informed the tribunal about the High Court’s order. The Groundwater Dept, Govt of Rajasthan, has filed an application to be made a party in the case, which has been accepted by NGT.
7 Maharashtra NGT fines Kolhapur sugar mill to pay Rs50L for polluting River The NGT Pune bench on March 23, 2026 has directed Appasaheb Nalawade Gadhinglaj Taluka Cooperative Sugar Factory in Kolhapur district to deposit Rs 50.1 lakh as environmental damage compensation (EDC) with Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) within one month for polluting the Hiranyakeshi River by discharging untreated effluent.
The bench stated that MPCB must utilise the deposited amount for environmental restoration at the affected site within six months. “A report in this regard shall be submitted by MPCB to the Registry of this Tribunal within one month after utilising the said amount of EDC,” the bench stated. Petitioner Shahu Shivaji Modak had approached the NGT bench alleging that the sugar factory was releasing molasses and other effluents into the river, leading to pollution of water and groundwater, and posing health risks to local residents and animals.
Following the NGT’s order on Apr 18, 2022, a joint committee comprising representatives of MPCB, state depts concerned & the district administration inspected the site on Jun 6, 2022. MPCB calculated the environmental damage compensation based on violations over multiple days of operation and submitted an affidavit to the tribunal on Mar 20, 2026.
8 Uttar Pradesh NGT issues notice on illegal groundwater extraction Expressing concern over illegal groundwater extraction in Uttar Pradesh, the Principal Bench of the NGT in March 2026 has issued strict directives to the concerned govt agencies regarding the assessment of GW extraction and the conduct of water audits. The Bench emphasized compliance with its previous orders concerning the assessment of groundwater extraction and environmental compensation. During the hearing, it was observed that the order dated Jun 19, 2020—specifically the directives regarding the assessment of illegal groundwater extraction and water audits—had not been fully complied with.
The Tribunal also clarified that since the Supreme Court, in its order dated March 26, 2025, did not modify these directives, they remain in force. The Tribunal has reiterated its directive that a realistic assessment of groundwater extraction must be conducted. The Tribunal has directed the inclusion of additional representatives from the CPCB and IIT Delhi in the Joint Committee constituted previously. The Bench has directed the Member Secretary of CPCB to ensure that the committee submits a report within 6 weeks. The next hearing on July 16, 2026.
9 Uttar Pradesh NGT recommends expert medical team for water pollution victims Taking serious note of water pollution caused by chromium, mercury, fluoride and iron in Kanpur Nagar, Kanpur Dehat, and Fatehpur districts, the NGT on July 1, 2025 recommended forming an expert team of doctors to provide treatment to affected persons. The case relates to an application filed before NGT, New Delhi in 2019. Thereafter, three more applications were filed in 2019, 2023 and 2024, highlighting the presence of heavy metals in water in Kanpur, Kanpur Dehat and Fatehpur.
The tribunal had appointed an amicus-curiae to visit the affected districts and submit a report. The report was submitted in January 2025. The tribunal also observed that no systematic health survey has been undertaken in any of the affected areas and diagnostic and testing facilities specific to heavy metal contamination have not been established in any of the three districts. NGT also pointed out that no insurance or compensatory mechanism has been introduced for individuals suffering from chromium and mercury-related health complications. The tribunal listed the case on October 7, 2025.
The NGT commissioned the AIIMS, New Delhi, to investigate these issues thoroughly, noting insufficient rigour in govt assessments. The amicus curiae advocate’s findings revealed dangerous concentrations of chromium, mercury, fluoride, and iron in soil and groundwater samples. Govt health camps detected elevated chromium and mercury levels in numerous blood samples. Residents displayed various ailments, including respiratory conditions, skin disorders, neurological issues, and behavioural alterations.
10 Punjab NGT disposes of plea against advancing paddy transplantation date A bench comprising NGT chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member A Senthil Vel in May 2025 ruled that the petition lacked substantive evidence to support claims of environmental damage. The tribunal noted that Arora, not being an environmental expert, had failed to provide credible material demonstrating adverse impacts from the date change. The tribunal added that any future representation, if filed with adequate backing, would be duly considered by the authority concerned in accordance with statutory provisions.
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