BHU-NEER PORTAL

TAG: GS-3: ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE

CONTEXT:  Hon’ble Jal Shakti Minister digitally launched the “Bhoo-Neer” portal during the closing ceremony of India Water Week 2024.

EXPLANATION:

What is ‘Bhu-Neer’ Portal?

• • ‘Bhu-Neer’ is a centralized platform for managing groundwater withdrawal permits.
  • It is developed by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC).
  • It aims to regulate groundwater resources across India efficiently and sustainably, ensuring transparency and sustainability in groundwater usage.

Key Features of the “Bhu-Neer” Portal:

Developed by CGWA & NIC

• • Created to streamline the regulation of groundwater extraction across India.
  • Aims to simplify processes for project proponents seeking groundwater withdrawal permits.

One-Stop Platform for Groundwater Regulation

• • Centralized database for managing and regulating groundwater resources.
  • Provides access to key information regarding groundwater compliance, policies, and sustainable practices.
  • Facilitates transparency and efficiency in groundwater management.

User-Friendly Interface

Simplified features such as a PAN-based single ID system.

• • Provides NOC (No Objection Certificate) with a QR code for easy verification.
  • Easy-to-navigate design for smoother user interaction and quicker access to groundwater regulation information.

Streamlined Permit Process:

• • Aimed at improving the efficiency of obtaining groundwater withdrawal permits.
  • The platform enables tracking of application status, making it easier for users to follow up.
  • Alignment with PM’s Vision of Ease of Doing Business
  • The launch is part of efforts to make regulatory processes more transparent, efficient, and faceless, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of Ease of Doing Business.

Public Availability

• • The “Bhu-Neer” portal is now live for all project proponents to access.
  • It provides a platform for clarifications, payment of statutory charges, and tracking applications related to groundwater withdrawal.

Impact of the Portal

Increased Transparency:

• • By centralizing data and simplifying the regulatory process, “Bhu-Neer” ensures more accessible and transparent groundwater usage practices.

Boost to Sustainability:

• • The portal encourages the implementation of sustainable groundwater extraction practices, helping protect this vital resource for future generations.

Improved Regulatory Efficiency

• • The digital platform reduces manual intervention, streamlining groundwater management processes and reducing bureaucratic hurdles.

Supports National and State Regulations:

• • The portal ensures adherence to national and state-level regulations regarding groundwater extraction.

About Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA)

• • It has the mandate of regulating ground water 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 ground water withdrawal.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2074919