G.O.(Ms) No. 173, Groundwater Artificial Recharge Scheme Instructions, 2008
The Tamil Nadu Public Works (R2) Department issued G.O.(Ms) No. 173 dated 29 May 2008 to strengthen supervision of the scheme for artificial groundwater recharge through farmers’ existing dug wells in identified over exploited, critical and semi critical blocks. It requires the Nodal Department and Nodal Officer to report to and consult the Engineer-in-Chief, Water Resources Department, while retaining the Nodal Officer’s implementation responsibilities.
What the government order covers
G.O.(Ms) No. 173 dated 29 May 2008, issued by the Tamil Nadu Public Works (R2) Department, sets administrative instructions for implementing the artificial recharge to groundwater scheme. The scheme concerns existing dug wells of farmers in identified over exploited, critical and semi critical blocks, with Central assistance through the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development and Lead Banks.
The instructions follow G.O.(Ms) No. 84, Public Works (R2) Department, dated 2 April 2008. That earlier order constituted State and District level committees, appointed the State Ground and Surface Water Resources Data Centre as the Nodal Department, and appointed its Chief Engineer as the Nodal Officer.
Changes to supervision and reporting
G.O.(Ms) No. 173 changes the scheme’s reporting and oversight arrangements:
- The Nodal Department must report to the Engineer-in-Chief instead of reporting directly to the Government on scheme implementation matters.
- The Chief Engineer of the State Groundwater and Surface Water Resources Data Centre, acting as Nodal Officer, must consult the Engineer-in-Chief on all issues and seek advice for effective implementation.
- The Engineer-in-Chief, Water Resources Department, must oversee implementation by continuously monitoring the performance of the Nodal Department and Nodal Officer.
- The Engineer-in-Chief must attend all meetings convened by the Government and present implementation progress and related issues.
- The Secretary to Government, Public Works Department, must conduct a programme review meeting every Friday at 10.00 a.m.
Responsibility for implementation
G.O.(Ms) No. 173 keeps the Nodal Officer responsible for effective and timely implementation. The Nodal Officer is described as solely and jointly responsible for any deficiency or shortfall. The Engineer-in-Chief provides additional support and oversight, rather than replacing the Nodal Officer.
Relevance to landowners and buyers
G.O.(Ms) No. 173 mainly governs internal administration of a groundwater recharge scheme. It identifies the broad locations and wells covered by the scheme, but does not list individual blocks, wells or farmers. It also does not state any change to land ownership, property transfer, planning permission or registration requirements.
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Common questions
Does G.O.(Ms) No. 173 change ownership rights over agricultural land or dug wells?
The document does not state any change to land or well ownership. Its provisions concern reporting, monitoring and responsibility for implementing the groundwater recharge scheme.
Which wells are covered by the groundwater recharge scheme?
The scheme concerns farmers’ existing dug wells in identified over exploited, critical and semi critical blocks. The document does not name the individual blocks, wells or farmers.
Who is responsible for implementing the scheme?
The Chief Engineer of the State Groundwater and Surface Water Resources Data Centre remains the Nodal Officer responsible for effective and timely implementation. The Engineer-in-Chief, Water Resources Department, provides monitoring, advice and additional support.
Who reviews progress under the scheme?
The Engineer-in-Chief must monitor performance, attend Government meetings and present progress. The Secretary to Government, Public Works Department, must also hold a review meeting every Friday at 10.00 a.m.
