INTERNSHIP ASSIGNMENT-4

TOPIC: DISTRICT GROUNDWATER REPORT-

ALIPURDUAR AND BANKURA DISTRICTS OF WEST
BENGAL STATE

AUTHOR: LAHARI D
TABLE OF CONTENTS-
1. ABSTRACT
2. INTRODUCTION
3. SOURCE OF GROUNDWATER
4. TYPES OF WATER ASSESSMENT UNITS
5. SOURCES OF GROUNDWATER RECHARGE
6. ANNUAL EXTRACTABLE GROUNDWATER RESOURCE
7. VALIDITY STAGE OF GROUNDWATER EXTRACTION
8. ASSESSMENT OF STATISTIC GROUNDWATER RESOURCE
9. YEARLY MUNICIPAL BUDGET AND THEIR DEVELOPMENT
10. LEGAL PROVISIONS
11. CONCLUSION
ABSTRACT
India is the largest consumer of groundwater in the world. Majority of the problems relating to
water in the country are due to groundwater. At just over 260 cubic km per year, India uses 25%
of the globally extracted groundwater, ahead of the USA and China as well. Groundwater is used
for several purposes. 70% of water supply for agriculture is sourced from groundwater. 1 Almost
all of the country is reliant on groundwater for drinking water and for water used in domestic
chores as well. A fair number of industries too exploit this valuable resource. Thus, groundwater
is being used extensively in all aspects of life. Groundwater can thus be considered an extremely
essential natural resource.

However, the problem arises when the consumption of groundwater is more than its recharge.
India as a country is highly dependent on groundwater. Thus, groundwater is exploited and
utilized extensively. Groundwater depletion is one of the major problems in India due to an
increase in population, rapid urbanization, irregularity in precipitation and intensive use of
groundwater for agricultural activities. There is an increase in the demand for water but there are
no resources to satisfy the population’s increasing demand for water.

A major problem arises when little to nothing is done by the competent authorities to safeguard
the natural resource. It is extremely important for the authorities, as well as the consumers of
groundwater, to take measures to ensure that there is recharge of groundwater in order to prevent
groundwater wells and pits from practically drying out. Almost every State has made laws with
regard to groundwater and its replenishment, and there are also district municipalities present in
every district to ensure the implementation of these laws. At times, the municipalities also have
social bye-laws or municipal bye-laws in place. However, the ground reality of the
implementation of these laws is highly dissatisfactory. The data on groundwater depletion and
contamination in various districts suggests that there is a dire need to formulate much more
stringent laws in order to revive groundwater.

The objective of this research is to focus on two districts from the state of West Bengal-
Alipurduar and Bankura and study the groundwater scenario in these districts. The research also
focuses on the competent authorities, and their work over the years towards conserving,
harvesting and recharging groundwater in their respective districts.

1
Rachita Vora and Smarinita Shetty, India has a Groundwater Problem, INDIA WATER PORTAL (June 4, 2019, 12:23
PM), https://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/india-has-groundwater-problem
INTRODUCTION
Alipurduar district has been carved out from another district, Jalpaiguri on 25 th June, 2014. It is
the 20th district of the state of West Bengal. It consists of Alipurduar municipality and six
community development blocks- Madarihat-Birpara, Alipurduar-I, Alipurduar-II, Falakata,
Kalchini, and Kalagram. It is a landlocked district, bordered by Jalpaiguri in the west, Assam in
the east, Cooch Bihar in the south, and it shares international borders in the north with Bhutan.
The topography of the land consists of rivers, streams and hills. It is also covered with tea
gardens, jhoras, and dense forests. The major rivers that run across this district are the Torsa,
Raidak, Kaljani, Sankosh and Gadadhar. The soil obtained in this region is mostly coarse loamy
and fine loamy soil. The common occupation of the residents of this district is agriculture. 2 The
population of Alipurduar district as per 2011 census is 15,01,983. 3 The average annual rainfall in
this district is 3160mm. Heavy rainfall is recorded in the monsoon season during the months of
June, July, August, and September. During these months, the cumulative rainfall can scale up to
an average of 3000mm, which is approximately 75% of total rainfall of a year. During this
period, all the rivers become turbulent. Sometimes, the heavy rainfall may eventually lead to
floods in the district. Thus, Alipurduar is a flood-prone area.

Bankura district has a geographical area of 6881sq.km. It is bounded by Barddhaman district in

the north, Medinipur district in the south, Puruliya district in the west and by Hugli in the east.
The district is sub-divided into 3 parts- Bankura, Bishnupur and Khatra, and thus, three
municipalities of each sub-division. There are a total of 22 blocks present in the district, namely,
Ranibandh, Raipur, Hirbundh, Khatra-I, Indpur, Gangajalghati, Chhatna, Mejhia, Bankura-I,
Bankura-II, Barjora, Sonamukhi, Patrasayer, Indus, Kotalpur, Joypur, Simlapal, Taldangra,
Bishnupur, Onda, Saltora, Sarenga. The major rivers that flow through this district are River
Damodar, River Darakeshwar, River Silabati and River Kangsabati. The district falls under the
Ganga basin. The land is extensively used for the purpose of agriculture and barren wastelands in
this district are hard to spot. Major soil types found in this district are alluvial soil, laterite soil,
and red soil. The usual annual rainfall in this district is 1300mm. 4 According to Census 2011, the
population of Bankura in 2011 was 3,59,6,674.5 The district is a drought-prone area.

SOURCE OF GROUNDWATER

2
District Profile, OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF ALIPURDUAR DISTRICT, http://alipurduar.gov.in/aboutus.html
3
Alipurduar Urban Region Population 2011-2021, CENSUS 2011,
https://www.census2011.co.in/census/metropolitan/208-alipurduar.html
4
Ground Water Information Booklet- Bankura District, West Bengal, CENTRAL GROUND WATER BOARD,
http://cgwb.gov.in/District_Profile/WestBangal/Bankura.pdf
5
Bankura District: Population 2011-2021 Data- Corona Virus I Covid 19 Data, CENSUS 2011,
https://www.census2011.co.in/census/district/13-bankura.html
The state of West Bengal has a very good groundwater potential. Groundwater is not an
independent resource. The level of groundwater depends on the hydro-geology of the particular
area. It is due to the geographic location, the high amount of rainfall, and the geologic setting
that West Bengal has such a good groundwater potential.

Alipurduar district is a landlocked area. However, few major rivers such as River Kaljani, River
Torsa, River Raidak, River Gadadhar, and River Sankosh flow through the district. The district
also receives ample amount of rainfall which further adds to a greater potential for groundwater.
It has a wide scope for rainwater harvesting. The district mostly consists of semi-confined and
unconfined aquifers (dug wells). Moreover, it is a flood-prone area.

 The average pH level of water in Alipurduar ranges from 6.16- 8.12. In order for water to
be safe for drinking, the recommended pH level of water by World Health Organization
(WHO) is between 6.5- 8.5.
 The Total Hardness (TH) of water has a wide range from as less as 35 mg/L in
Kumargram to as high as 375 mg/L in Madarihat. The TH of water should not exceed
more than 120 mg/L- 160 mg/L for the purpose of consumption of water. Few blocks in
the district show a high level of TH of water and thus, the water from those areas cannot
be used for drinking.
 Total Alkalinity ranges from 30 mg/L in Kumargram to 305 mg/L in Madarihat. The total
alkalinity in drinking water should be anywhere from 20 mg/L- 200 mg/L. Several
districts have water containing more than the recommended alkalinity.
 Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) ranges from 56 mg/L in Kumargram to 605 mg/L in
Madarihat. World Health Organization recommends that up to 1000 mg/L of TDS is
considered safe for drinking, however this is subject to few other considerations.6
 Arsenic found in many parts of the district is found in very high concentrations more than
the permissible limit of 0.05 mg/L as per BIS. The high concentrations of arsenic render
the water unfit to drink since consumption of arsenic contaminated water is directly
linked to the causing of various health problems in humans such as skin cancer, lung and
bladder cancer. A few other symptoms such as cardiovascular diseases, respiratory
problems, and diabetes too are linked with exposure to arsenic.7
 Iron contamination in most parts was also found to be more than the permissible limit of
1mg/L as per BIS. Iron is classified as a secondary contaminant of water. The presence of
high concentrations of iron in drinking water can lead to unwanted health issues.
 Manganese in high concentrations was observed in yet few other blocks above the BIS
permissible limit of 0.3 mg/L. While the presence of a small amount of manganese is not

6
Total Dissolved Solids in Drinking Water, WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION,
https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/chemicals/tds.pdf
7
Arsenic and Fluoride in Drinking Water in West Bengal: Characteristics, Implications and Mitigation, WEST
BENGAL DRINKING WATER SECTOR IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/linked-
documents/49107-006-sd-01.pdf
 considered harmful, the presence of high concentrations of manganese poses a risk to
health. It causes discoloration of water, and is also responsible for an unpleasant taste of
water.

From the above data, we learn that the primary sources of groundwater in Alipurduar district
is rainwater harvesting due to the high amount of rainfall, penetration of surface water into
the ground, and dug wells. The water that occurs via these sources is not free from
contamination and is highly contaminated by arsenic, manganese, and iron. There is also an
undesirable level of hardness and alkalinity in the water in a few areas.

In the district of Bankura, a mixture of Unconfined, Semi-Confined and Confined aquifers is

obtained.

 The pH value ranges from 7.32-8.13.

 The total salinity in the water 0.58-4.02, which indicates low salinity and low sodium
hazard. This is suitable for irrigation.
 Many blocks of the district are highly contaminated by Fluoride (>1.5 mg/L). The
contamination goes up to as high as 8.61 mg/L in Simlapal block. This renders the
water in the district unfit for drinking, since consumption of fluoride is directly
associated with a host of health issues.
 Several blocks in the district are also contaminated by Iron.
 There is usually hardness of water of an average of 205.12 mg/L in the groundwater
of this district.
 The average TDS value in the groundwater is 380.95 mg/L.

The primary source of groundwater in Bankura is rainfall. 8 We have seen that the average annual
rainfall of this district is 1300mm, which is comparatively not very high amount of rainfall.
Moreover, it is a drought-prone area. Thus, water in this district must be used meticulously and
with caution. Few of the blocks in this district fall under high stress zones of groundwater due to
acute shortage of the resource.9

TYPES OF WATER ASSESSMENT UNITS

8
Uday Chatterjee, Water Scarcity in Semi-Arid Regions of Bankura District, West Bengal, India- Problems and
Prospects, 5 INDIAN JOURNALS 87, 90 (2018)
9
Satiprasad Sahoo et al., Recognition of district-wise Groundwater stress zones using the GLDAS-2 catchment land
surface model during lean season in Indian state of West Bengal, SPRINGER LINK (Jan 2, 2021),
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11600-020-00509-x#Sec5
Assessment units are the blocks, mandals, taluks, etc. which are considered as units for
groundwater resource assessment. They are classified on the basis of the stage of groundwater
development and also the long-term water level trend. Assessment units are generally classified
as Safe, Semi-Critical, and Critical, and Over-Exploited, Saline and Not Assessed (Hilly/Forest
area).10

In Alipurduar district, as per a report dated back in 2010, sourced from West Bengal State Water
Investigation Directorate, Kolkata, and West Bengal State Water Investigation, Jalpaiguri, four
blocks of the district namely, Falakata, Alipurduar-I, Alipurduar-II and Kumargram were
classified as safe. Two other blocks, Madarihat-Birpara and Kalchini were classified under non-
assessed areas owing to their hilly terrain. However, all the six blocks, i.e., assessment units of
Alipurduar district were classified as suitable for utilization. 11 As per a recent report by Central
Ground Water Board (CGWB), all the assessment units in Alipurduar district fall under the safe
category.

In Bankura district, as per the same report as mentioned above, all the 22 assessment units in the
district were classified as safe. Moreover, CGWB, in its district profile of Bankura, classified all
the blocks as safe.12 However, only 10 assessment units, namely, Indas, Kotalpur, Joypur,
Sarenga, Raipur, Hirbundh, Khatra, Onda, Indpur and Bankura-II were observed to have suitable
water quality for its utilization. The other districts, namely, Bankura-I, Chhatna, Saltora, Mejhia,
Gangajalghati, Barjora, Taldangra, Ranibandh, Simlapal, Bishnupur, Sonamukhi, and Patrasayer
were recorded to be highly contaminated by Fluoride, thus rendering this water completely unfit
for drinking.13

SOURCES OF GROUNDWATER RECHARGE

Groundwater recharge is a hydrologic process in which water present on the surface of the land
percolates into the ground. Recharge of groundwater can either take place naturally, or there is
also an option for artificial recharge of groundwater. Groundwater recharge is dependent on
atmospheric, surface, and sub-surface components of water balance. It is also sensitive to
climatic and anthropogenic factors, such as, land use, precipitation, and urbanization. 14

10
Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater in India, CENTRAL GROUND WATER BOARD,
http://cgwb.gov.in/Master%20Plan%20to%20GW%20Recharge%202020.pdf
11
Accelerated Development of Minor Irrigation (A.D.M.I.) Project in West Bengal,
https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/776021468040571287/pdf/
E27670v20EA0MA1Box0358368B01PUBLIC1.pdf
12
Ground Water Information Booklet- Bankura District, West Bengal, CENTRAL GROUND WATER BOARD,
http://cgwb.gov.in/District_Profile/WestBangal/Bankura.pdf
13
Accelerated Development of Minor Irrigation (A.D.M.I.) Project in West Bengal,
https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/776021468040571287/pdf/
E27670v20EA0MA1Box0358368B01PUBLIC1.pdf
Alipurduar is primarily covered by dense forests and it has a hilly terrain. Thus, the agricultural
activities in this area are highly limited, as a result of which there was high groundwater storage
observed in this district from the year 2000-2014. However, due to the over-exploitation of
surface water, a subsequent depletion in groundwater too was noticed. A 10-year mean was taken
to understand the change in water level. The study showed that 90% of the wells recorded a
falling trend. The average depth to water level in most parts of the district is 2-5mbgl. However,
a few areas of the district have also observed depth to water level ranging between 10-20mbgl.
Furthermore, in even fewer parts of the district, depth to water level in the range of 5-10mbgl
was noted. Very few areas of the district show depth to water level in 0-2mbgl range. 15 Thus,
from the available data, we can conclude that the groundwater level in Alipurduar district is
adequately satisfactory. We have already understood that Alipurduar gets a fairly good amount
of rainfall and is a flood-prone area as well. However, despite receiving such copious amount of
rainfall, there is extreme water scarcity during the non-monsoon season. The groundwater
development is not very remarkable. Thus, there is a wide scope for recharge of groundwater
through natural recharging methods. The groundwater recharge is mostly catered through
springs.16 In order to supplement the natural groundwater recharge, due to the high rainfall, the
option of rainwater harvesting for groundwater recharge also exists. Out of the total area of 3383
sq.km of the district, an area of 742.09 sq.km is identified as area available for artificial
recharge.17

In Bankura, there is usually an acute scarcity of water, especially during the non-monsoon
period. With an annual rainfall of 1300mm, there is sufficient scope for rainwater harvesting in
this region. Due to hard rock formation in many parts of the district, there is not much scope for
water conservation. The best option for groundwater abstraction structures is dug wells.
However, these wells dry out during the lean period. Thus, the best option for water conservation
and recharge is rainwater conservation and artificial recharge to groundwater. Both rooftop
rainwater harvesting, as well as harvesting from the land can be practiced. The most feasible
artificial recharge structures in Bankura are-

 Percolation tanks
 Check dams supported by properly designed recharge well
 Dry dug wells
148
Satiprasad Sahoo et al., Recognition of district-wise groundwater stress zones using the GLDAS-2 catchment
land surface model during lean season in the Indian state of West Bengal, SPRINGER LINK (Jan 2, 2021),
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11600-020-00509-x#Sec1

15
Ground Water Year Book of West Bengal & Andaman & Nicobar Islands (2019-2020), CENTRAL GROUND WATER
BOARD, http://cgwb.gov.in/Regions/ER/Reports/GWYB%202019-2020%20WB%20&%20AN.pdf
16
Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater in India- 2020, CENTRAL GROUND WATER BOARD, (Oct 2020),
http://cgwb.gov.in/Master%20Plan%20to%20GW%20Recharge%202020.pdf
17
Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater in India- 2020, CENTRAL GROUND WATER BOARD (Oct 2020),
http://cgwb.gov.in/Master%20Plan%20to%20GW%20Recharge%202020.pdf
  During monsoon, large lakes in the regions of Bishnupur and Bankura overflow with
surplus water. This water can be channeled in order to conserve water.
 Sub-surface dykes.18

Of the total area 6882 sq.km. area of the district, 928.06 sq.km area has been identified for
artificial recharge.19 According to the West Bengal Groundwater Resources (Management,
Control, and Regulation) Act, 2005, it is mandatory for all buildings to have installed rooftop
rainwater harvesting mechanism.20

ANNUAL EXTRACTABLE GROUNDWATER RESOURCE

The assessment of groundwater extraction is carried out by considering the data of Minor
Irrigation Census and the sample surveys carried out by the State Groundwater Departments. The
stage of groundwater extraction is 44.6% in the state of West Bengal. The annual extractable
groundwater resource is 26.56 bcm.21

In Bankura district, 82% of the extracted groundwater is used for irrigation and agricultural
purposes. The remaining 18% of the extracted groundwater is divided between domestic and
industrial purposes.

Since Alipurduar district was carved out of Jalpaiguri district in 2014, not much data pertaining
to this district regarding the annual extractable groundwater resource has been found on the
official websites of various sources. Thus, to widen knowledge on the same, an RTI has been
filed to the competent authority to obtain the accurate figures of the annual extractable
groundwater resource of Alipurduar district.

VALIDITY STAGE OF GROUNDWATER EXTRACTION

The permission for extraction of groundwater resource has to be sought from the competent
authorities- State Level Authority (SLA), District Level Authority (DLA) or Corporation Level
18
Ground Water Information Booklet- Bankura District, West Bengal, CENTRAL GROUND WATER BOARD,
http://cgwb.gov.in/District_Profile/WestBangal/Bankura.pdf
19
Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater in India- 2020, CENTRAL GROUND WATER BOARD, (Oct 2020),
http://cgwb.gov.in/Master%20Plan%20to%20GW%20Recharge%202020.pdf
20
West Bengal Groundwater Resources (Management, Control and Regulation) Act, 2005,
http://wbwridd.gov.in/swid/downloads/WB%20GW%20Act%20&%20Rules.pdf
21
National Compilation on Dynamic Ground Water Resources of India, 2017, CENTRAL GROUND WATER BOARD (Jul
2019), http://cgwb.gov.in/Documents/Dynamic-GW-Resources-2011.pdf
Authority (CLA) as per The West Bengal Ground Resources (Management, Control, and
Regulation) Act, 2005. This Act is applicable to the whole of the state of West Bengal.

Few of the guidelines for the issuance of Certificate of Registration and Permit in order to extract
groundwater with the help of pump fitted tube wells are provided below-

 Any existing user of tube wells fitted with a mechanical or electrical device to extract
groundwater will be considered for obtaining the Certificate of Registration. An existing
user of tube well may apply to the DLA to obtain a Permit for fitting the existing tube
well with a mechanical or electrical pump for extracting groundwater.
 A user who desires to sink a new well for the purpose of extraction of groundwater
should apply for a Permit to the DLA.
 Any user can apply for a permit to extract groundwater in any block which is categorized
as Safe. Permit will not be issued for extraction in blocks categorized as Semi-Critical,
Critical, and Over-Exploited. During the 1st meeting of SLA, it was decided that domestic
and industrial users could apply for a permit even in Semi-Critical blocks. However, its
11th meeting, SLA decided that such a permit will be taken for consideration on site-to-
site basis after analyzing the local groundwater condition.
 The SLA adopted a safe distance criterion between two tube wells in the irrigation sector
for the purpose of issuance of a permit.
 The CLA is empowered to issue a permit for sinking a tube well not exceeding the rate of
100m3/hour.
 The DLA is empowered to issue a permit for sinking a tube well not exceeding the rate of
50m3/hour.
 The SLA is empowered to issue permits for sinking a tube well exceeding the rate of
50m3/hour.
 The SLA shall forward the matter to the High Level Authority in cases where the limit of
sinking of tube well exceeds the rate of 100m3/hour.
 Few users are exempted from obtaining a permit. They are-
o Domestic users having a tank on rooftop up to 10,000 liters for preservation of
extracted groundwater.
o School and Educational institutions
o Hospitals and Health Care Units
o Relief Centre for Natural Calamity
o Places of Worship
o Permanently occupied area for Defense and Cantonment
 A notification dated 3rd November, 2011 exempted farmers from obtaining permission
from the DLA for energizing pumps up to the limit of 5HP or a maximum discharge of
30m3/hour.
  The sub-committee of SLA has recommended that no permit should be given where the
groundwater is either Arsenic, or Fluoride, or saline infested.22

In Alipurduar, all the blocks are classified as safe by CGWB. Hence, a permit for the sinking of a
new tube well to extract groundwater with the help of pumps (mechanical or electrical devices)
can be given to users in any of the 6 blocks of the district. However, due to the hilly terrain in the
blocks of Madarihat and Kalchini, a few considerations have to be taken before granting a permit
for sinking a well.

In Bankura district too, all the blocks are classified as safe and thus, a permit to sink wells for
extracting groundwater can be given to the users in any of the 22 blocks of the district.

ASSESSMENT OF STATISTIC GROUNDWATER RESOURCE

On one hand, there is high awareness among zilla parishad of the newly-formed Alipurduar
district. Piped Water Supply Scheme (PWSS) has been implemented and closely observed by the
zilla parishad of the district. The SWID has also implemented artificial recharge projects and
rainwater harvesting projects in this district.

Whereas on the other hand, there is little to no action taken by the municipalities in Bankura
district. Bankura municipality has taken the initiative of implementing AMRUT scheme and
UTTARAN scheme. However, no water-related schemes have found to have been taken up by
Bishnupur municipality and Sonamukhi municipality.

The West Bengal Groundwater Resources (Management, Control, and Regulation) Act, 2005
provides guidelines for the extraction of groundwater. A mandatory permit is to be obtained for a
user to extract groundwater. However, the Act has not been able to achieve success in improving
the groundwater status in Alipurduar and Bankura. The number of blocks contaminated by
arsenic and fluoride are increasing by the day, and this is rendering all of that water unfit for
consumption. The municipalities of the respective districts too, have not been working efficiently
and effectively enough to curb the depletion of groundwater.

YEARLY MUNICIPAL BUDGET

A few projects undertaken for the welfare of water resources in Alipurduar district are-

22
Guidelines for Issuance of Permit for Extraction of Ground Water with the help of Tube Wells fitted with Pump
(Mechanical or Electrical devices) as per “The West Bengal Groundwater Resources (Management, Control and
Regulation) Act, 2005”, STATE WATER INVESTIGATION DIRECTORATE, http://wbwridd.gov.in/swid/appellate.html
  Rs. 50,000/- crore was sanctioned in the Financial Year 2016-17 till the year 2023-24 for
the National Hydrology Project of West Bengal which is a World Bank Project
preparation mission. This project is still undergoing under the nodal organization of State
Water Investigation Directorate (SWID).23
 Rs. 82.12/- crore was allotted for FY 2020-21 for the Bringing Green Revolution to
Eastern India (BGREI) scheme. It is a national scheme that commenced in 2010-11. The
funds are allotted both by the Centre and the states. The objective of the programme is to
increase the production and productivity of rice and wheat by adopting the suitable
technologies and promote the cultivation of the second crop of pulses and oilseeds in the
fields. The states covered under this scheme are better suited for cultivation of rice due
to more groundwater present in the region as compared to the eastern states such as
Punjab and Haryana who are exploiting the groundwater resources in order to cultivate
rice.24
 Rs. 1700/- crore was allotted in 2020 for Major Piped Water Supply Scheme by Public
Health Engineering Department of West Bengal. It has been mandated to provide safe,
potable, adequate quantity of drinking water mainly to all the rural areas of the state
albeit in a few municipalities being still maintained by it. PM Modi, holding the Bengal
government responsible, stated that out of the sanctioned funds, only Rs. 690 Crore was
used towards the scheme and the rest is drained out.25 26

In Bankura district, the following works have been undertaken by the municipal corporation over
the past few years-

 Rs. 9998.81/- lakh was sanctioned in FY 2015-16 for the Water Supply Project for
Bankura Municipality under AMRUT scheme. Rs. 1899.773/- lakh has been disbursed till
date towards this scheme.27
 Rs. 40/- lakh was sanctioned in the FY 2016-17 for the renovation of Darakeswar Park
(Bank of Darakeswar River) at Ward No.-13 [Bankura] and for the renovation of
Gandheswari Park (Bank of Gandheswari River) at Ward No.-7 [Bankura].28

23
About NHPWB, NATIONAL HYDROLOGY PROJECT WEST BENGAL (GROUND WATER),
http://wbwridd.gov.in/wbnhp/components/home/about-n-h-p-w-b.html#:~:text=Project%20Implementation
%20Plan%20(PIP)%20with,has%20been%20approved%20on%2020.3.
24
Vivian Fernandes, Union Budget 2019-20: Government needs to allocate more fund to bring Green Revolution to
Eastern India, FIRSTPOST (Jun 24, 2019, 17:06 IST), https://www.firstpost.com/business/union-budget-2019-20-
govt-needs-to-allocate-more-fund-to-bring-green-revolution-to-eastern-india-6872091.html
25
Major Piped Water Supply Scheme (PWSS), PUBLIC HEALTH ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT,
https://wbphed.gov.in/en/major-projects
26
Bengal Polls: Mamata govt deprived state of Centre’s piped water scheme, says Modi, THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS
(Feb 22, 2021, 8:21 PM), https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/feb/22/bengal-polls-mamata-govt-
deprived-stateof-centres-piped-water-scheme-says-modi-2267438.html
27
State Annual Action Plan (SAAP) 2016-17, ATAL MISSION FOR REJUVENATION AND URBAN TRANSFORMATION,
http://amrut.gov.in/upload/saap/5ad6d83a83aa2WestBengalSAAP2016-17.pdf
28
State Annual Action Plan (SAAP) 2017-18, ATAL MISSION FOR REJUVENATION AND URBAN TRANSFORMATION,
http://www.amrut.gov.in/upload/saap/5a5f0c4a03254WestBengal.pdf
  Rs. 1588.91/- lakh was sanctioned in FY 2015-16 for the Water Supply Project of
Bankura Municipality under the AMRUT scheme.29
 Rs. 1100/- crore was sanctioned in 2018 for a drinking water project in Bankura along
with a few other districts with a scarcity of drinking water. This project was announced
by CM Mamata Banerjee.30
 Rs. 100/- crore is set to be sanctioned for the Government of West Bengal plans to
rejuvenate the river bed of Gangeshwari River in Bankura. This project is still in the
planning stage.31
 Rs. 833/- crore is set to be sanctioned for Bankura Phase-II Water Supply Project. This
project is in the planning stage and yet to come into action.32

LEGAL PROVISIONS
No municipal bye-laws or social bye-laws were obtained for both the districts. However, the
following laws are applicable to the whole of the state of West Bengal and thus, Alipurduar and
Bankura districts are governed by these laws as well-

 West Bengal Municipal Act, 1993-

(i) It is the duty of every municipality to supply potable water for domestic and non-
domestic use. The supply of water shall be charged from Rs.15 to Rs.150 per month
based on the property tax and ferrule size.
(ii) The municipality should ensure maintenance of all public tanks and regulating the re-
excavation, repair and up-keep of all private tanks, wells and other sources of water
supply.
(iii) It should ensure the stoppage of wastage of water supply.
(iv) No new well, tube-well, tank, pond, cistern or fountain can be dug without prior
permission.
(v) It has the power to set apart wells for various purposes like drinking, culinary, bathing
and washing purposes.33

 The West Bengal Municipal (Building) Rules, 2007-

29
State Annual Action Plan (SAAP) 2017-18, ATAL MISSION FOR REJUVENATION AND URBAN TRANSFORMATION,
http://www.amrut.gov.in/upload/saap/5a5f0c4a03254WestBengal.pdf
30
Rs. 1,100 cr drinking water project for Bankura: CM, MILLENIUM POSTS (Mar 8, 2018, 12:06 AM),
http://www.millenniumpost.in/kolkata/rs-1100-cr-drinking-water-project-for-bankura-cm-288443?infinitescroll=1
31
Project Document: 16970, THE TENDERS.COM,
https://www.thetenders.com/All-Projects/Project-Details/16970/bankura-west-bengal/project-for-govt-of-wb-
plans-to-rejuvenate-the-river-bed-of-gangeshwari
32
Project Document: 17784, THE TENDERS.COM,
https://www.thetenders.com/All-Projects/Project-Details/17784/bankura-west-bengal/project-for-bankura-phase-
ii-water-supply-project-
33
West Bengal Municipal Act, 1993, https://sarthac.gov.in/view-act-file?file_id=1606
 (i) The roofs of all buildings should contain a mechanism to permit effectual drainage of
rain water. Rain-water pipes should be utilized wherever necessary.
(ii) The rain water pipes should be connected to a drain or sewer that connects to the road
gutter or any other approved device.
(iii) The underground reservoir should be constructed in such a way that the manhole
portion must be raised 300mm or above ground level to avoid contamination.
(iv) The depth of the Underground Water Reservoir or Septic Tank or Inspection Pits or
manholes shall not be more than the shallowest foundation depth and the minimum
distance between edge of foundation and such underground structure shall not be less
than 50% width of the underground structure.
(v) Rainwater Harvesting shall form a part of the building, either for direct use of
rainwater or for groundwater recharging.
(vi) Waste water recycling system shall be incorporated in all buildings including group
housing having a minimum discharge of 40,000 litres and above per day for flushing of
toilets, gardening, or car washing, etc.34

 West Bengal Groundwater Resources (Management, Control and Regulation) Act, 2005-
(i) Any user in West Bengal desirous to sink a well fitted with mechanical or electrical
pump shall have to obtain permit from the District Level Authority (DLA) or the
Corporation Level Authority (CLA) as the case may be. The DLA and CLA before
issuing the permit will consider the water balance, quality and quantity available.
(ii) Any user who has sunk a well or using groundwater by mechanical or electrical pump
before the Act has come into force should have to obtain certificate of registration from
the DLA or the CLA as the case may be.
(iii) State Level Authority (SLA) recommended minimum permissible distance between
two wells which range from 200m apart to 600m apart depending on the capacity of the
well.
(iv) The DLA or CLA should prepare groundwater profile in every five years. They
should keep regular vigil on the quality and quantity of the water available from the
groundwater resources and bring to the notice of the SLA if any deterioration in quality
or quantity is observed. They will also help to prepare a plan for conservation,
maintenance and utilization of groundwater.
(v) If any person, in the matter of sinking, construction, or use of any well-
(i) fails to comply with any of the rules of the Act
(ii) obstructs DLA, CLA or SLA or any other competent authority,
he shall be fined for a sum that may extend to Rs.5000/- for the first offence. For
subsequent offences, the fine may extend up to Rs.10,000/-.35

34
The West Bengal Municipal (Building) Rules, 2007, https://wbconsumers.gov.in/writereaddata/ACT%20&
%20RULES/Relevant%20Act%20&%20Rules/The%20WB%20Municipal%20_Building_%20Rules,%202007.pdf
CONCLUSION
India is highly dependent on groundwater for drinking purposes. However, due to a rapid
increase in population, there has been an over-exploitation of water. The surface water is
practically drained out, and people are now exploiting groundwater beyond its capacity to
naturally replenish itself.

Alipurduar district has an abundance of rainfall, especially during the monsoon season. It is a
flood-prone area. This has to be taken complete advantage of and the rainwater should be
efficiently conserved. This rainwater that is collected can be used to artificially recharge
groundwater.

In Bankura district, the scenario is a little different. The water in this district is highly
contaminated by Fluoride. It is a drought-prone area. During non-monsoon season, the region
dries up. However, the average annual rainfall in this district is just sufficient for the
implementation of groundwater harvesting. The state of West Bengal has made it mandatory for
buildings to have a rooftop rainwater harvesting structure.

Despite the potential observed in both the districts, there is a groundwater depleting trend
recorded in these districts over the years. In Alipurduar, 90% of the wells are showing a
subsequent falling trend, whereas, the groundwater depletion in Bankura district has been
recorded at 0.35cm/year. The primary cause for the depletion is due to shortage of surface water
which is caused due to over-exploitation. Moreover, due to the water contamination by various
pollutants, the water is unfit for drinking or for cooking purposes, or sometimes, even for
irrigation. The municipalities in the district have not considered this issue seriously enough and
the people themselves are unaware of the future consequences of their current actions. Even
today, many people in these districts, especially in Bankura, do not get drinking water. They
have to travel miles in order to fetch water.

It is extremely important for the municipalities to understand the seriousness of the issue and
work more efficiently. Municipal bye-laws and social bye-laws relating to this issue have to be
framed and the sanctions for outlaws must be made severe. Groundwater recharge should be
taken up and more funds should be diverted towards these projects in order to build the structures
at the earliest.

35
West Bengal Groundwater Resources (Management, Control and Regulation) Act, 2005,
http://wbwridd.gov.in/swid/downloads/WB%20GW%20Act%20&%20Rules.pdf