G.O. (Ms.) No. 7, Construction of Recharge Pits under MGNREGS, 2018
The Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (CGS.1) Department issued G.O. (Ms.) No. 7, dated 5 January 2018, permitting construction of 9,300 groundwater recharge pits across stream beds and natural drains under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme for 2017-18. It approves a unit cost of Rs.34,000 and sets guidelines for site selection, construction, expenditure checks, photographs, geotagging and verification.
What the document does
G.O. (Ms.) No. 7 of the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (CGS.1) Department, dated 5 January 2018, approves 9,300 recharge pits across stream beds and natural drains under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. The approved unit cost is Rs.34,000, with an overall cost of Rs.31.62 crore.
The work is intended to capture runoff and improve groundwater recharge, particularly in dry regions, remote habitations, difficult terrain and places affected by groundwater overuse. The document notes that recharge pits are permitted on common land.
Who it affects
The approval is directed to the Director of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, District Collectors except Chennai, and Project Directors of District Rural Development Agencies. It may also be relevant to residents, land users and property owners near selected ponds, tanks, ooranies, streams, channels and natural drains.
The document authorises public groundwater recharge works. It does not record a transfer of land ownership or change any property title.
Main technical and site requirements
- Sites may include ponds, tanks and ooranies where weathered or fractured rock lies below the top clay layer.
- The permeability of underlying soil or rock must be checked through infiltration tests. Nearby wells or water bodies may also be used to understand the underlying strata.
- A recharge pit may penetrate low permeability clay or silt to reach permeable material.
- A borehole of 150 mm to 300 mm may be provided at the centre and backfilled with 63 mm to 40 mm metal.
- An unlined borehole may be preferred.
- For stream or channel beds, a boulder check dam may be placed downstream to retain water.
- Borehole depth must reach permeable strata but need not reach the water table.
Cost, labour and monitoring
- The approved unit cost is Rs.34,000.
- The labour to material ratio is 30:70, with 50 person days for each unit.
- The funding table provides Rs.22.13 crore for material and Rs.9.49 crore for labour.
- Expenditure must reflect actual site depth and conditions.
- Photographs must be taken before, during and after construction.
- Assets must be geotagged after completion.
- A Citizen Information Board and a Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme work file must be maintained at each work site.
This summary is generated from the source document to help you find what is relevant. The PDF above is authoritative. For advice on your own property, use LandLens One or speak to a qualified professional.
Common questions
Can a recharge pit be constructed on common land?
Yes. G.O. (Ms.) No. 7 states that construction of recharge pits is permitted on common land under the revised Schedule I of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.
Does G.O. (Ms.) No. 7 change ownership of land near a recharge pit?
No land transfer or change of property title is provided in the document. It approves and regulates groundwater recharge works under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.
How will officials verify that a recharge pit was actually built?
Photographs must be taken before, during and after the work. The completed asset must also be geotagged, and the government requires a clear verification mechanism.
What is the approved cost for each recharge pit?
The approved unit cost is Rs.34,000. The document requires actual expenditure to be limited according to site depth and conditions.
