Having regard to the potential of availability of groundwater and other relevant factors, the government, in consultation with the cell, may declare, by notification, any area in the state as a scheduled area.

Having regard to the quantum and pattern of rainfall and other relevant factors, the government, in consultation with the cell, may declare, by notification, any area in the state as water scarcity area for a period not exceeding six months at a time. Having regard to the depleted levels of water table and other relevant factors, the government, in consultation with the cell, may declare, by notification, any area in the state as an over exploited area.

The user of an existing well in a scheduled area shall, within a period of sixty days from the date of commencement of this act, apply to the ground water officer for registration of an existing well, in the prescribed form and manner.

The chief engineer of the department of water resources of the government shall be the ex-officio Head of the cell besides other members who may be appointed by the government. The government, in consultation with the cell, may designate, by notification, any person serving in connection with the affairs of the government including any person serving in the cell itself, as the ground water officer for the purposes of this act. The ground water officer shall function under the direct control and superintendence of the cell.

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