Overview
Bhu-Neer Portal: The Bhu-Neer Portal was launched in 2024 by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti as a digital, one-stop platform to regulate groundwater extraction across 19 States and Union Territories. It aims to bring transparency, efficiency, and sustainability in granting No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for groundwater withdrawal.
Static GK fact: The National Informatics Centre (NIC) typically develops mission-mode e-governance platforms under the National E-Governance Plan.
Purpose
Groundwater over-extraction has long threatened India’s aquifers. Bhu-Neer enforces the 24 September 2020 Guidelines issued by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, ensuring project proponents adhere to conservation norms. It targets sectors like industries, infrastructure, and mining.
Static GK fact: India is one of the largest consumers of groundwater globally, with significant dependence in agriculture and industry.
Key Features
The portal offers numerous user-friendly tools:
- An eligibility checker to pre-assess applicants
- Online charges calculator for effortless fee estimation
- A query module enabling direct two-way communication with CGWA officials
- Real-time SMS and email alerts to update applicants on NOC status
- A PAN-based Single ID system for seamless authentication, payments, and coordination
- QR-coded NOCs to enhance document security and ease of verification
Static GK fact: QR codes are two-dimensional barcodes first invented in Japan and now widely used for secure authentication worldwide.
Application & Processing
Project proponents across regulated areas file NOC applications completely online. The digital system streamlines the entire approval process, reducing manual intervention and eliminating delays inherent in the previous offline systems.
Impact on Sustainable Management
Bhu-Neer significantly contributes to sustainable groundwater governance. It helps curb illegal extraction while enforcing compliance with environmental safeguards. The portal actively encourages integration of roof-top rainwater harvesting structures and sewage treatment plants, aiding groundwater recharge and pollution reduction.
Static GK fact: Rainwater harvesting is a traditional water management technique that is now recommended in building bye-laws across many Indian states.
Outreach & Awareness
The Ministry of Jal Shakti ensured widespread awareness of the portal. The Hon’ble Minister launched Bhu-Neer digitally during India Water Week 2024 on 19 September 2024. Additionally, the CGWA held workshops with chambers of commerce and conducted Public Interaction Programmes (PIPs) to familiarize project proponents with portal usage.
Static GK fact: India Water Week is an annual conference organized by the Ministry of Jal Shakti to address water sector challenges.
Conclusion
Bhu-Neer Portal is a pivotal digital reform in India’s water governance framework. It embodies ease of doing business while safeguarding vital groundwater resources. By merging regulation with sustainability and outreach, it has elevated groundwater management to modern governance standards.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Bhu-Neer Portal:
| Topic | Detail |
| Launched | 2024 by CGWA under Ministry of Jal Shakti during India Water Week |
| Coverage | 19 States/UTs where CGWA regulates groundwater extraction |
| Objective | Streamlined, transparent, and sustainable NOC processing |
| Guidelines enforced | Groundwater extraction norms dated 24 September 2020 |
| Key Features | Eligibility checker; online fees calculator; PAN ID; SMS/email alerts; QR NOCs |
| Conservation Measures | Rainwater harvesting; sewage treatment plants |
| Outreach | Ministerial launch; workshops; PIPs |
