G.O. (Ms.) No. 17, Artificial Recharge Committee Reconstitution, 2009

What the government order does

Government Order (Ms.) No. 17 of the Public Works (R2) Department replaces the earlier composition of the State Level Technical Coordination Committee. The committee coordinates artificial groundwater recharge projects implemented with central assistance under the Groundwater Management and Regulation scheme.

The reconstitution followed new scheme guidelines that contemplated additional committee members. Although representation from the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department was considered, it was not included because that department was not implementing artificial recharge schemes. The Chief Engineer and Director of the Institute for Water Studies was included as a member.

Committee composition

Government Order (Ms.) No. 17 assigns the following positions:

• The Principal Secretary to Government, Public Works Department, is Chairman.
• The Secretary to Government, Planning, Development and Special Initiative Department, or a representative, is a member.
• The Chief Engineer of the State Ground and Surface Water Resources Data Centre is a member.
• The Engineer in Chief, Water Resources Department and Chief Engineer (General), is a member.
• The Chief Engineer and Director, Institute for Water Studies, is a member.
• The Engineering Director, Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board, is a member.
• The Chief Engineer, Agricultural Engineering Department, is a member.
• The Regional Director, Central Groundwater Board, South Eastern Coastal Region, is Member Secretary.

Committee responsibilities

The State Level Technical Coordination Committee must:

• Lead and guide scheme planning, implementation and monitoring.
• Formulate broad implementation guidelines for the State.
• Identify implementing agencies and beneficiaries under norms adopted by Central and State Government departments.
• Coordinate related Central and State Government programmes for optimum benefit.
• Examine and approve projects under the scheme.
• Periodically monitor and evaluate objectives and physical, financial and time targets.
• Discuss issues concerning implementation of recharge projects.
• Approve utilisation certificates for expenditure and confirm the satisfactory working of recharge facilities or structures.

Relevance to landowners and buyers

Government Order (Ms.) No. 17 concerns administrative oversight of artificial groundwater recharge projects. It does not state any change to land ownership, property registration, patta, land classification or an individual landowner's rights. A landowner may become relevant to the scheme only if identified as a beneficiary under the norms applied by the responsible government departments.