Whalesbook
Authorities in Uttar Pradesh have issued a notice to a Microsoft project in Greater Noida, Sector 145, for allegedly extracting groundwater without the legally required permissions. The Ground Water Department in Gautam Buddh Nagar district took action after finding 10 borewells installed at the premises without any valid permits or No Objection Certificates (NOCs), a violation of the Uttar Pradesh Groundwater (Management and Regulation) Act, 2019.
Groundwater Stress in Region
The Noida-Greater Noida region is classified as "over-exploited" or "critical" by the Central Ground Water Board due to rapid urbanisation and industrial growth. This sustained pressure on water resources makes unauthorised extraction particularly concerning for the sustainability of local supplies.
Legal Framework and Penalties
The notice directs Microsoft to submit copies of all borewell permissions to the department's office within 15 working days. Failure to comply will be treated as illegal groundwater extraction under the Groundwater Act, 2019. This carries potential penalties including fines ranging from ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh, imprisonment for six months to one year, or both.
Environmental Concerns
Environmentalists have highlighted that such actions underscore the severity of the water crisis in the region. Experts warn that continued non-compliance by large corporate and real estate projects could further depress water tables and exacerbate drinking water shortages for surrounding areas. The Microsoft campus in Sector 145 was inaugurated in March 2025.