A P W A L T A

(The Andhra Pradesh Water, Land and Trees Act, 2002)

The main aim of the APWALTA Act is to promote Water Conservation,  tree cover, regulate over-exploitation of water resources,

to ensure better use of ground  and surface water and to protect and conserve water resources as well as land and environment.

SALIENT FEATURES.

· Registration of all existing bore wells.

· Regulates digging of new bore wells.

· Registration and regulation of rigs.

· Ensure closure other wells which effects the drinking water sources.

· Regulates the number of wells and distance between wells in the village

depending on the ground water availability and utilization.

· Ensures construction of rain water harvesting structures.

· Ensures sufficient tree cover in private and  public places.

· Protection of existing surface water bodies.

· Prevention of pollution of surface and ground water resources.

· Ensures safe drinking water.

· Protection of existing trees and improve the green cover in public and private places.

· Implementation by District level authority under the Chairmanship of the District Collector.

IMPLEMENTATION OF  “APWALTA”  IN WEST GODAVARI  DISTRICT

· So far 105 Rigs registered.

· 75 rotary rigs are to be registered.

· Digging of new Bore-wells banned in 31 over exploited villages.

· 250m. distance norm is being followed while giving permission for new wells.

· Close monitoring of Ground Water levels at Village level.

· Registration of existing Wells is under progress.

· Workshops have been conducted for creating awareness on the Act.

Wide publicity was given for creating awareness to the public on APWALTA.