Ground Water Clearance (GWC)
Ground Water Clearance (GWC)
Ground Water Clearance (GWC) is a regulatory approval required to ensure sustainable and legal extraction of groundwater for various purposes, typically granted by authorities like the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) in India. It assesses the potential environmental impact and the area’s groundwater availability before granting permission.

What is Ground Water Clearance (GWC) ?
Ground Water Clearance (GWC) is a regulatory process that ensures the sustainable extraction and use of groundwater resources. It is mandatory for industries, infrastructure projects, and other large-scale water users to obtain this clearance to prevent overexploitation and maintain the ecological balance. The process involves assessing groundwater availability, recharge potential, and the area’s categorization (e.g., overexploited, critical, or safe zones) based on its water table status.
Authorities like the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) or state agencies grant GWC based on technical evaluations, including the project’s water requirements and its impact on the surrounding environment. This clearance promotes responsible groundwater usage, ensuring its availability for future generations while safeguarding nearby ecosystems and communities.