Belagavi: Karnataka assembly passes bill mandating safety measures for borewells

The Karnataka Legislative Assembly has unanimously passed amendments to the Karnataka Groundwater (Development and Management Regulation) Act, 2011, and Rules, 2012. These amendments aim to impose stricter regulations on borewell safety, including penalties of up to one year imprisonment and a fine of ₹25,000 for failing to close unused borewells properly.

The move is designed to prevent tragic incidents where children fall into open borewells, leading to fatalities or life-threatening injuries.

The bill, presented by Minister Bhyrathi Basavaraj, mandates that anyone planning to drill a borewell must inform the local authority at least 15 days in advance. Drilling and implementing agencies are required to install iron caps on borewells and ensure they are securely closed within 24 hours of drilling. A photograph of the closed borewell must be submitted to the concerned authorities for inspection and certification.

Key provisions of the bill include:

Proper sealing of defunct borewells using mud, stones, and thorny bushes.
Construction of a 2×2 ft protective mound with fencing around the borewell.
Joint statements confirming the safety measures must be submitted to local authorities.

Penalties for non-compliance:

Drilling and implementing agencies failing to close borewells will face a fine of ₹25,000 and imprisonment of up to one year.

Failure to inform authorities about borewell drilling at least 15 days in advance will attract a fine of ₹5,000 and imprisonment of up to three months.

Additionally, landowners must cover borewells with caps during pump repairs or maintenance. If a borewell is to be revitalized, it must be securely capped to prevent accidents. Warning boards alerting the public to ongoing borewell drilling are also mandatory.

The bill is a step forward in ensuring public safety and preventing avoidable accidents caused by unsecured borewells.