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Assembly passes law to prevent borewell tragedies
The Karnataka Assembly has amended the Karnataka Groundwater (Devel-opment, Management, and Control) Act, 2011, introducing stricter regulations to prevent accidents involving children falling into abandoned or unsealed borewells.
Belagavi: The Karnataka Assembly has amended the Karnataka Groundwater (Devel-opment, Management, and Control) Act, 2011, introducing stricter regulations to prevent accidents involving children falling into abandoned or unsealed borewells. The new provisions include a ₹25,000 fine and a one-year jail term for drilling agencies that fail to seal borewells properly.
Minister for Minor Irrigation, Science, and Technology, NS Boseraju, an-nounced the amendment after its passage in the Assembly, calling it a critical step in saving lives. “Several tragic incidents have occurred due to negligence in sealing abandoned borewells. This amendment ensures stricter enforcement and accountability,” he said.
Mandatory advance notification
Drilling agencies must notify local authorities 15 days before starting work in both notified and non-notified areas. Authorities include Panchayat Develop-ment Officers (PDOs), Village Accountants, Town Panchayats, or BWSSB Ward Engineers. Non-compliance attracts a Rs 5,000 fine and up to three months in jail.
Failed borewells must be sealed with steel caps, mud, and stones, and fenced with a 2x2-foot mound for added safety.
Agencies are required to inspect and photograph sealed borewells within 24 hours and submit a joint declaration to local authorities. Temporarily capped borewells are mandatory when pumps are removed for repairs. Drilling sites must display clear warning signage and construct fencing to prevent accidents during operations.
Local authorities are responsible for monitoring and reporting borewells to the Groundwater Development Department. PDOs must also display awareness boards in Gram Panchayat offices to educate the public on borewell safety measures.
Penalties for violations
•Failure to Notify: Rs 10,000 fine and one-year imprisonment.
•Improper Sealing: Rs 25,000 fine and one-year imprisonment for drill-ing agencies.
•Negligence by government officials will result in disciplinary action.
Focus on accountability and sustainability
Minister Boseraju highlighted the dual goals of the legislation: ensuring public safety and addressing the decline in groundwater levels due to unregulated borewell drilling. “This bill safeguards lives and promotes sustainable man-agement of groundwater resources. It is a step towards stricter regulation of borewell usage,” he added.
The bill will now be tabled in the Legislative Council during the ongoing session for final approval.
