Groundwater Directorate and Karnataka Groundwater Authority

Karnataka Groundwater Authority is a statutory body established to regulate and manage groundwater resources across the state. It was formed under the Karnataka Groundwater (Regulation and Control of Development and Management) Act, 2011, and became operational in 2012. The authority monitors groundwater levels, issues No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for borewell drilling and groundwater withdrawal, and promotes sustainable usage through awareness and data-driven planning. It also implements the Atal Bhujal Yojana, a central government initiative for participatory groundwater management.