Indore declared water-deficient, private tube well drilling banned until June 30

Indore: The administration has declared Indore as a water-deficient district ahead of summers. In view of rapidly depleting groundwater levels, it has imposed a ban on drilling of all new private and non-govt tube wells until June 30, 2026. The ban has been imposed under Madhya Pradesh Drinking Water Preservation Act.The decision followed a critical report from the public health engineering (PHE) department, which highlighted a severe drop in the water table due to over-exploitation. Officials warned that without immediate restrictions, the city could face a drinking water crisis during the peak summer months.Collector and district magistrate Shivam Verma has authorised revenue, police and municipal officials to seize drilling rigs found operating illegally and to file FIRs against violators. Offenders may face a fine of Rs 2000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.The ban does not apply to govt-sanctioned water schemes. In unavoidable circumstances, residents may seek permission through additional collectors, provided the drilling is conducted by registered agencies.The district administration reserves the right to acquire private tube wells for public use under Section 4 of the Act if the water shortage worsens. The order remains in effect immediately.