Why in News?
The Ministry of Jal Shakti launched the “Bhu-Neer Portal” during the 8th India Water Week-2024. This portal is a significant initiative aimed at improving groundwater regulation in India. Developed by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC).
Key Features of the Bhu-Neer Portal:
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- Centralized Database: The portal provides a centralized database for groundwater compliance and policies, simplifying the groundwater regulation process and improving the ease of doing business in this sector.
- Single ID System: It uses a Single ID system based on the Permanent Account Number (PAN) to create a user-friendly interface for stakeholders.
- QR Code-based NOC: The portal generates No Objection Certificates (NOC) with a QR code, making the verification process quicker and more accurate.
- Regulatory Improvement: The portal is designed to enhance transparency, efficiency, and sustainability in the management and regulation of groundwater use.
- Simplified Procedures: The system allows businesses and other users to apply for permits, track their status, and manage groundwater usage more effectively.
Objective and Vision of Bhu-Neer Portal
- The Bhu-Neer Portal was launched to ensure more transparency, efficiency, and sustainability in the regulation of groundwater usage.
- This initiative supports the Prime Minister’s vision of “Ease of Doing Business” by making regulatory processes transparent, efficient, and faceless.
- The portal is live for all project proposers and serves as a single platform for all groundwater withdrawal related applications, payments, and clarifications.
Impact of the Bhu-Neer Portal:
- Transparency: By centralizing the data and simplifying regulatory processes, the portal enhances the transparency of groundwater usage practices across India.
- Promoting Sustainability: The portal encourages sustainable practices for groundwater use, aiming to conserve this vital resource for future generations.
- Improvement in Regulatory Efficiency: With the digital platform, manual interventions are minimized, which streamlines groundwater management processes and reduces bureaucratic obstacles.
- Support for National and State Regulations: The portal also helps in ensuring that national and state-level regulations concerning groundwater withdrawal are properly adhered to, making it easier for the authorities to manage and control the country’s groundwater resources.
Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA):● The CGWA was established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to regulate and control the development and management of groundwater resources in India. ● It has been working towards sustainable groundwater management, ensuring that the resource is used judiciously and that its quality is maintained. National Informatics Centre (NIC):● The NIC was founded in 1976 and operates under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). ● It is a key player in creating e-government applications and promoting digital opportunities for sustainable development. ● The NIC collaborated with the CGWA to develop the Bhu-Neer Portal as a part of the effort to improve digital governance in India. |
Conclusion:
The Bhu-Neer Portal is a significant step towards improving groundwater regulation and management in India. With its user-friendly design, QR code-based NOCs, and a single ID system, the portal will help ensure that groundwater resources are used in a regulated, transparent, and sustainable manner. This initiative aligns with the country’s broader goals of promoting digital governance, ease of doing business, and sustainable water management practices.
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