DRAFT
Guidelines for Digging Borewells
As borewells are generally dug outside the limits of urban areas
by Development Agencies, District Administration, Rural
Development Departments, Irrigation Departments etc., there is
a need to effectively enforce and monitor certain basic safety
requirements and precautionary measures so that accidents do
not occur
1. In the first instance, only licensed contractors should be
allowed to take up digging of borewells, and the local police
and fire service kept informed.
2. Pits so constructed should have proper arrangements for
descending to lower levels with ventilation systems and
casing.
3. Pits should be properly covered and barricades and warning
signs put up in order to prevent unauthorized persons
loitering about the site.
4. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights
(NCPCR) has proposed building a 4m high wall around the
borewells as well as covering them totally.
5. Contractors may form an association and hold regular
consultations with the Authorities for the safety measures
being adopted by them and the District Administration may
take steps to monitor the construction of borewells in their
area of jurisdiction.
6. The contractors should be advised to exercise maximum
precautions while digging borewells and Rescue workers
from the fire services, police and construction companies
need to be present on site while digging takes place.
…2/-
-27. A disaster management team needs to be formed under the
supervision of the Administration to handle mishaps in the
event they occur.
8. Punitive measures including immediate arrest of the owner and
contractor be enforced.
9. Implement clear cut Occupation, Health and Safety procedure
checks for completed work and also work in progress.
10. Administration to undertake immediate survey and
Documentation of all unattended bore wells holes and take
corrective measures.
Issues that need consideration as
part of the spatial
planning framework particularly at Layout stage.
 Ground water survey.
The underground water streams are fixed and immovable. It
is better to plan around them than squander them by
building over them in a preconceived grid and then face
water shortages in future years.
 Using high resolution satellite images along with periodic
updating to identify traditional ponds and other water
features in order to take up their de-silting and repair work.
 By enforcing Rain Water Harvesting measures.
 By ensuring that sufficient quantum of soft ground is left in
order to promote percolation of water.
 By resorting to sensitive site planning measures in order to
enhance the quality of soft ground, ground cover, trees etc.