International Clearance
What is Approval of International Clearance
The Approval of International Clearance by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) is a regulatory process required for projects that involve the extraction or usage of groundwater resources and have international implications. This clearance becomes necessary for projects located near international borders, those involving foreign entities or investments, or initiatives that may impact transboundary groundwater resources shared with neighbouring countries. The CGWB, functioning under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, ensures that such projects comply with national water management policies, international treaties, and environmental standards. The primary objective is to safeguard national interests, promote sustainable groundwater usage, and prevent any adverse effects on international relations or ecological balance. Entities such as industries, infrastructure developers, or research organizations planning projects in sensitive border areas or with international collaboration must seek this approval. Applications are typically submitted through the CGWB’s online portal (NOCAP) and require detailed information about the project’s location, groundwater requirements, environmental impact, and nature of foreign involvement. The CGWB, often in consultation with other ministries such as External Affairs or Home Affairs, reviews the proposal before granting clearance.
Who Can Apply for This Certificate?
Any individual, organization, or agency planning to extract or use groundwater for non-domestic purposes can apply for a certificate (No Objection Certificate – NOC) from the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB). This includes:
- Industries – manufacturing units, processing plants, or industrial parks requiring groundwater for operations.
- Infrastructure Projects – including construction projects like residential townships, commercial complexes, SEZs, and transportation hubs.
- Mining Projects – requiring groundwater for mining and related activities.
- Government or Private Institutions – such as hospitals, schools, hotels, or research facilities.
- Packaged Drinking Water Units – and other businesses involved in bottled water production.
- Water Supply Agencies – including municipal bodies or private suppliers using groundwater sources.
- Projects with Foreign Involvement – any entity collaborating with foreign organizations, or located near international borders, must seek special clearance.
Documents Required for This License
- Proof of Ownership / Legal Occupancy
- Project Report / Proposal
- Water Requirement & Source Details
- Site Plan / Layout Plan
- Rainwater Harvesting / Recharge Proposal
- Groundwater Availability / Hydrogeology Report
- Piezometer Installation Commitment
- Consent to Operate / Establish from SPCB (if applicable)
- Authorization from Statutory Bodies (if needed)
- Flow Meter Installation Certificate (if existing borewell)
- Affidavit / Declaration
- Stating investment in rainwater harvesting/recharge structures (if applicable).
Act and Rules
Role of Shamkris and Process of International Clearance
Shamkris adopts a results-oriented approach to ensuring compliance with the mandatory requirements for obtaining the Application. With a simple and guided methodology, Shamkris helps organizations achieve the necessary application in a timely and cost-effective manner. Shamkris offers 100% support in advisory, guidance, and compliance, ensuring smooth processing for obtaining the application.
The Application acquisition process described below:
Advisory for the document required
Preparation of documents as per application & list of documents.
Certificate File
Inspection by the department if required
Certificate department
Certificate issued
Yearly Compliance if Applicable
Renewal when due
Who can issue the International Clearance
FAQ
International Clearance is a regulatory approval given by the CGWB for groundwater extraction projects that are located near international borders or involve foreign entities. It ensures national security, environmental safety, and compliance with international treaties.
Any individual, company, or organization planning to extract groundwater in border areas, or undertaking projects with foreign investment, partnership, or collaboration must apply for international clearance.
- Industrial and infrastructure projects near international borders
- Foreign-funded or foreign-collaborated projects
- Mining or research activities involving international agencies
- Projects potentially affecting transboundary aquifers
Yes. While the NOC for groundwater extraction is a standard requirement, international clearance is an additional approval needed when international or border-related concerns are involved.
Applications must be submitted through the NOCAP portal (https://cgwa-noc.gov.in), along with detailed project reports, environmental impact assessments, groundwater analysis, and documentation on any foreign involvement.
- Project report
- Location map (with proximity to international border, if applicable)
- Details of groundwater requirement
- Environmental Impact Assessment (if applicable)
- Agreements or MoUs with foreign entities (if applicable)
The duration can vary based on the project’s complexity and involvement of other ministries (such as MEA or MHA). On average, it may take 30 to 90 days.
Yes, a processing fee is applicable, depending on the category and scale of the project. The exact fee details are provided during the online application process.
Operating without the required international clearance can lead to legal penalties, project shutdown, or denial of further permits.
You can visit the official CGWB website or contact the regional CGWB office for support. You may also consult environmental or legal experts for complex international projects.