The Karnataka Government plans to regulate reckless ground-water exploitation by bringing private water suppliers under the trade licence ambit.
Addressing reporters, the Karnataka Law Minister, Mr S. Suresh Kumar, said for orderly ground-water exploitation, a separate body - Karnataka Ground Water Authority - is being planned.
A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting held under the leadership of the Minister for Minor Irrigation, Mr Govind Karjol.
The planned authority will comprise senior officials from minor irrigation department, Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), transport, mines and geology besides four nominated members which includes farmers and consumer forums activists.
The authority is expected to meet in a day or two draft guidelines for tapping underground water.
Mr Suresh Kumar said the authority to issue trade licence will be with municipal corporations in the state.
Besides issuing trade licence, the private water suppliers has to declare his water source and get water test certificates regularly from recognised laboratories.
Recently the state had enacted a legislation to regulate underground water exploitation, but there was no control over private water suppliers.
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