Aquifer Zone Check

Community

Check Aquifer Zone Status

Click on any location on the map to check if it falls within an aquifer protection zone. Aquifer zones have special regulations for groundwater usage and environmental protection.

Click anywhere on the map to check aquifer zone
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Aquifer Protection Zone
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Aquifer Zone Status
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Understanding Aquifer Protection Zones

What is an Aquifer Zone?

An aquifer is an underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock, rock fractures, or unconsolidated materials from which groundwater can be extracted. Aquifer protection zones are designated areas that safeguard these vital water resources from contamination and over-exploitation.

Compliance and Approvals

If your property falls within the aquifer recharge area:

  • Building Permissions: All constructions must comply with the specific regulations for the Restricted Development Zone
  • Layout Approvals: New subdivisions and layouts must meet minimum plot requirements and provide beach access where applicable
  • Height Restrictions: Strictly adhere to the 9m height limit for most developments
  • Use Restrictions: Only permissible activities as listed in the regulations are allowed
  • CRZ Clearance: Additional approvals required if within coastal regulation zone
  • Environmental Impact: Consider water conservation and sustainable development practices
Important: This area serves as one of the major sources for city water supply. All developments must prioritize aquifer protection and groundwater recharge during precipitation.
Importance of Aquifer Protection
  • Water Security: Aquifers provide a significant portion of freshwater for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use.
  • Environmental Balance: They maintain ecosystem balance by supporting vegetation and surface water bodies.
  • Drought Resilience: Groundwater serves as a crucial backup during dry periods and droughts.
  • Quality Assurance: Protected aquifer zones help maintain water quality by preventing contamination.
  • Sustainable Development: Proper management ensures long-term water availability for future generations.
Regulations in Aquifer Zones

Activities within aquifer protection zones are subject to specific regulations:

  • Industrial Activities: Strict controls on industries that may cause groundwater contamination.
  • Construction Projects: Building permits may require environmental impact assessments.
  • Agricultural Practices: Restrictions on use of pesticides and fertilizers that can seep into groundwater.
  • Waste Management: Prohibition of waste disposal that could contaminate the aquifer.
  • Water Extraction: Licensing requirements for groundwater extraction and usage limits.
How to Use This Tool

Our Aquifer Zone Check tool helps you determine if a location falls within a protected aquifer zone:

  1. Navigate the map to your area of interest or use the search function.
  2. Click on any location to check its aquifer zone status.
  3. View detailed information about regulations and recommendations.
  4. Use the current location button to check your present location.
  5. The color-coded markers indicate different zone statuses.
Villages Covered in Aquifer Recharge Area

The aquifer recharge area is bounded by city limits in the north, CMA limits in the south, Buckingham canal in the west and coastal line in the east, covering the following villages:

  • Kottivakkam
  • Palavakkam
  • Neelankarai
  • Okkiamthuraipakkam
  • Injambakkam
  • Karapakkam
  • Sholinganallur
  • Uthandi
Development Regulations in Aquifer Zone

Properties within the aquifer recharge area are subject to specific development restrictions to protect groundwater resources:

Height and Building Restrictions:
  • Maximum Height: Non High Rise buildings up to 9m height only (G+1 or stilt +2 floors)
  • Residential Units: Maximum 6 dwelling units per building
  • Plot Coverage: 40% (Other Areas) or 50% (Natham/EWS Areas)
  • FSI (Floor Space Index): 0.80 (Other Areas) or 1.00 (Natham/EWS Areas)
Minimum Plot Requirements:
Parameter Natham/EWS Areas Other Areas
Minimum Plot Extent 80 sq.m. 220 sq.m.
Minimum Frontage 4.5m 12m
Maximum FSI 1.00 0.80
Maximum Plot Coverage 50% 40%
Permissible Developments

Only the following types of developments are permitted in the aquifer recharge area:

Residential & Commercial:
  • Residential buildings (detached, semi-detached, flats)
  • Service apartments
  • Professional consulting offices (≤40 sq.m, G+1)
  • Petty shops for daily essentials (≤40 sq.m, G+1)
  • Departmental stores (≤100 sq.m, G+1)
  • Restaurants (≤300 sq.m, G+1)
Educational & Health:
  • Schools of all levels
  • Tutorial institutions (≤100 sq.m, G+1)
  • Libraries and reading rooms
  • Clinics, nursing homes, dispensaries (≤300 sq.m, G+1)
Industrial & Service:
  • Cottage industries (≤8 workers, ≤5 HP machinery, G+1)
  • Service industries (≤15 HP, ≤300 sq.m, G+1)
  • Transport depots, bus terminals
  • Fuel filling stations (≤5 HP, G+1)
Public & Recreational:
  • Government/Semi-government offices (≤300 sq.m, G+1)
  • Banks, post offices
  • Parks, playgrounds, gardens
  • Swimming pools (attached to residential)
  • Religious buildings (≤300 sq.m)
  • Assembly halls (≤300 sq.m, ≤18.30m height)
Special Provisions for Large Sites (≥1 Hectare):
  • Beach cottages, hotels and tourism developments (≤18.30m height)
  • Recreational activities (≤18.30m height)
  • Educational, technical and research institutions (≤18.30m height)
Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Overlap

Parts of the aquifer recharge area that fall within 500m from the High Tide Line of the sea and 100m from the Buckingham canal are also subject to Coastal Zone Regulations under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Developments in these areas require additional clearances.

Disclaimer

The aquifer zone information provided through this tool is for reference purposes only. We recommend consulting with local environmental authorities and conducting proper environmental assessments before making any development decisions. This tool should not be considered a substitute for official environmental clearances or legal advice.