Rig Owners Want Increase In Borewell Drilling Depth
The association said groundwater levels declined in several areas, making it difficult to find water within the existing 120-metre limit
Hyderabad:The Rig Owners’ Association has urged the state government to increase the permitted borewell drilling depth limit from 120 metres to 250-300 metres, citing decline in groundwater levels.
The association said groundwater levels declined in several areas, making it difficult to find water within the existing 120-metre limit. It explained that borewells often need to be drilled to depths of 250–300 metres to meet drinking water, agricultural and construction requirements.
Association presidents Musku Anjireddy and T. Venkatesh along with general secretaries G. Narsireddy and Oruganti Lakshminarayana, appealed to the state government to issue the necessary amendments to GO 259 at the earliest and address the concerns of rig owners. They said restricting drilling to 120 metres, despite inadequate water availability, could result in failed borewells and financial losses to farmers and household owners.
The association pointed out that rig owners are already contributing to government revenue through GST, vehicle taxes, road taxes, insurance premiums, registration fees and income tax payments.