Karnataka’s New Law on Borewell Safety Measures

In December 2023, the Karnataka Assembly passed the Karnataka Groundwater (Regulation and Control of Development and Management) (Amendment) Bill. This legislation aims to address the alarming incidents of accidents related to open borewells, particularly those involving children. With an estimated 27 million borewells across India, many of which are abandoned, the new law seeks to mitigate the risks associated with these hazardous structures.

About Borewells

Borewells are deep shafts drilled to access groundwater. They became prevalent in India during the 1970s due to water scarcity. However, many borewells are now abandoned due to depletion of water resources. These abandoned borewells, often left open, pose risks. They are sometimes referred to as “death holes” because of the high fatality rate for individuals who fall into them.

Accident Statistics

From 2009 to 2019, over 40 children fell into borewells across India, with a high failure rate in rescue operations. In Karnataka, 8.8% of such incidents occurred, while states like Haryana and Tamil Nadu reported higher rates at 17.6% each. Rescue operations are not only challenging but also costly, often ranging from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore.

Key Provisions of the New Law

The new legislation introduces stringent measures aimed at preventing borewell accidents. Key provisions include: – Sealing of Abandoned Borewells – Improper sealing will result in a penalty of Rs 25,000 and potential imprisonment for one year. – Signage Requirement – Drilling agencies must display a signboard with their details during drilling or repairs. – Safety Barriers – Barbed wire fencing or suitable barriers must be installed around borewells to prevent access by children and unconnected individuals. – Mandatory Reporting – Drilling agencies must inform local authorities about the status of borewells and submit declarations post-drilling. – Capping and Filling – Abandoned or incomplete borewells must be capped or filled within 24 hours of identification, with documentation provided to authorities.

Implementation and Compliance

The law mandates that drilling agencies comply with safety measures immediately after drilling. They must cap borewells with appropriate materials and fill abandoned ones with locally sourced materials. A mound must be created above ground, and these sites should be fenced to ensure safety. Authorities are tasked with inspecting these measures and issuing certificates of compliance.

Significance of the Legislation

This legislation is as it aims to reduce the number of accidents associated with borewells. By enforcing strict regulations on the sealing and maintenance of borewells, the Karnataka government seeks to enhance public safety and protect vulnerable populations, particularly children.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the impact of open borewells on child safety in rural India.
2. Critically discuss the effectiveness of regulatory measures in preventing accidents related to borewells.
3. Estimate the socio-economic implications of groundwater depletion in India.
4. Point out the challenges faced in implementing borewell safety regulations in urban areas.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the impact of open borewells on child safety in rural India.

1. Open borewells, particularly abandoned ones, pose severe risks to children, often referred to as “death holes.”
2. Statistics indicate that over 40 children fell into borewells from 2009 to 2019, denoting the urgency of the issue.
3. The high fatality rate in such incidents is compounded by the failure of rescue operations, with a 70% failure rate reported.
4. Children’s curiosity and lack of awareness make them particularly vulnerable to falling into these hazardous structures.
5. The new legislation aims to improve safety measures, but the existing risks remain without proper enforcement.

2. Critically discuss the effectiveness of regulatory measures in preventing accidents related to borewells.

1. The Karnataka law introduces penalties for improper sealing of borewells, aiming to deter negligence.
2. Mandatory signage and safety barriers are intended to increase awareness and prevent unauthorized access.
3. Despite stringent measures, enforcement remains a challenge, particularly in rural areas where oversight may be lacking.
4. Historical data shows that existing regulations have not fully prevented accidents, indicating a need for improved compliance mechanisms.
5. Community involvement and awareness campaigns are essential to complement regulatory efforts for greater effectiveness.

3. Estimate the socio-economic implications of groundwater depletion in India.

1. Groundwater depletion affects agricultural productivity, leading to food insecurity and increased poverty in rural areas.
2. As borewells dry up, communities face higher costs for water access, impacting household budgets and economic stability.
3. Depletion contributes to migration as families seek better opportunities in urban areas, straining city resources.
4. Environmental degradation occurs as ecosystems reliant on groundwater are disrupted, affecting biodiversity.
5. Long-term depletion can lead to conflicts over water resources, impacting social cohesion and stability.

4. Point out the challenges faced in implementing borewell safety regulations in urban areas.

1. Urban areas often have a higher density of borewells, complicating monitoring and enforcement of safety measures.
2. Rapid urbanization leads to unregulated drilling, making it challenging to track compliance with safety regulations.
3. Resource constraints limit the capacity of local authorities to conduct inspections and enforce penalties effectively.
4. Public awareness about the dangers of open borewells is often low, reducing community participation in safety efforts.
5. Coordination among multiple agencies responsible for urban planning, water management, and safety regulation can be inefficient.