Digging borewells below 200 ft banned in Maharashtra

Pic for representational use only

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government on Tuesday imposed a ban on digging of borewells below 200 feet in view of the water crisis the state has been facing since quite some time.

Confirming the reports, Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Babanrao Lonikar said any violation will invite action under the 'Maharashtra Groundwater Development and Management Act' which can lead to fine or even imprisonment.

"The Maharashtra Groundwater Development and Management Act has to be implemented strictly due to the severe drought conditions prevalent and the depleting water stock. We have spoken to all senior officials and decided to ban the digging of borewells below 200 feet," PTI quoted Babanrao Lonikar as saying.

Adding further he added that with the amount of water being drawn out from the ground, it's imperative to control the digging of borewells.

"While the Act will be implemented strictly, we require participation of the people." he said.

In the wake of the acute drought in the state, th Maharashtra government has sanctioned Rs 750 crore for water distribution.