Why in the News?

The ‘Bhu-Neer’ Portal was digitally launched by Minister of Jal Shakti, during the India Water Week 2024.

About the ‘Bhu-Neer’ Portal:

	Details
About	• Centralized platform for managing groundwater withdrawal permits. • Developed by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) and National Informatics Centre (NIC). • Aims to regulate groundwater usage across India efficiently, ensuring transparency and sustainability.
Features and Provisions	• User-friendly interface with PAN-based single ID, NOC with QR code, and streamlined processes. • Improved version compared to its predecessor, NOCAP. • Ensures groundwater compliance and promotes sustainable practices.
Implementation	• The portal is live and accessible for groundwater queries, tracking, and payments. • Open to both project proponents and the general public for groundwater-related services.

It has the mandate of regulating groundwater development and management in the country.
It is constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986.
CGWA issues advisories, public notices and grant No Objection Certificates (NOC) for groundwater withdrawal.

[2020] Consider the following statements:

1. 36% of India’s districts are classified as “overexploited” or “critical” by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA).

2. CGWA was formed under the Environment (Protection) Act.

3. India has the largest area under groundwater irrigation in the world.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1 and 3 only