Guwahati, March 27: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to the Assam government and several state agencies over alleged illegal groundwater boring in Guwahati’s Barshapara area.

The Eastern Zone Bench, comprising Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh and Expert Member Ishwar Singh, admitted an application filed by Milan Kanti Das and others, raising concerns about unauthorized groundwater extraction. The Tribunal directed all respondents, including the Special Chief Secretary (PHED), the Executive Engineer (PHED), the District Commissioner of Kamrup Metropolitan, the Central Ground Water Board, and the Barshapara No. 1 Water Supply Management Committee, to respond within four weeks. The next hearing is scheduled for May 8.

Applicants submitted that information obtained under the Right to Information Act confirmed no NOC had been issued by the Central Ground Water Board for extraction in the area. They alleged that multiple borewells were being operated without authorization, leading to excessive extraction in a semi-critical groundwater zone. This, they claimed, has caused a sharp decline in water levels and scarcity for local residents.

It was further alleged that groundwater was being commercially supplied, deviating from its intended use for drinking water, and that no effective regulatory action had been taken.

Taking note of the submissions, the Tribunal observed that the matter raises substantial environmental concerns and formally admitted the case.