In China, the countryside is the foundation of the country, carrying abundant natural resources and simple local customs. However, driven by the simple desire to pursue self-sufficiency and convenient life, some peasant friends dig wells to get water in their courtyards from time to time. This seemingly ordinary act has actually touched the legal red line of water resources management in the mainland, and has aroused widespread concern and serious legal discussions.
Legal background: The national nature of water resources
According to the Water Law of the People's Republic of China and the Regulations on the Administration of Water Intake Permits and the Collection of Water Resources Fees, relevant laws and regulations clearly stipulate that water resources belong to the state, that is, to the whole people. This means that the development, utilization, protection and management of both surface water and groundwater must follow the principles of unified national planning and strict supervision. No unit or individual is allowed to exploit groundwater without approval, which is not only a guarantee for the sustainable use of water resources, but also an important measure to maintain ecological balance and prevent geological disasters and other environmental problems caused by excessive development of groundwater.
The current situation and problems of drilling wells for water in rural areas
In rural areas, due to historical habits, uneven distribution of water resources, and insufficient water supply facilities, privately digging wells to obtain water has become a "shortcut" for many rural households to solve the problems of drinking water and irrigation. In the short term, this seems to solve the urgent needs of farmers, but in the long run, disorderly exploitation of groundwater will trigger a series of chain reactions: the decline of groundwater level, the deterioration of water quality, the intensification of soil salinization, land subsidence and even the depletion of water sources and other ecological crises, seriously threatening agricultural production and rural ecological security, affecting the survival and development of future generations.
Legal action: the need for bans and penalties
In the face of the widespread phenomenon of digging wells to extract water without permission, the mainland government is gradually stepping up supervision and control, and resolutely curbing this illegal act through multiple measures such as legislative improvement, policy guidance, and technical support. For the illegal drilling of wells and water extraction, the relevant departments will ban them in accordance with laws and regulations, and give corresponding administrative penalties according to the severity of the circumstances, including but not limited to warnings, fines, restitution, compensation for losses, etc. This series of measures aims to regulate the development and utilization of water resources from the source and ensure the rational, efficient and sustainable use of water resources.
Strengthen publicity and guidance to promote rational water use
While strictly enforcing the law, it is also crucial to strengthen publicity and education. The government should increase the popularization of legal knowledge on water resources protection in rural areas, raise farmers' awareness of the rule of law and environmental protection, and make them aware of the dangers and illegalities of digging wells to obtain water without permission. At the same time, through the construction of centralized water supply systems, the promotion of water-saving irrigation technology, the provision of policy subsidies and other measures, to help farmers solve the actual problem of water use, guide them to adopt legal and compliant methods to obtain water resources, and achieve the green development of rural economy and society.
epilogue
Although digging wells to obtain water without permission is out of daily necessities, it violates national laws, undermines the order of rational use of water resources, and poses a potential threat to the ecological environment. As the state attaches more importance to the construction of ecological civilization, banning and punishing such behaviors in accordance with the law is not only a legal requirement, but also a responsibility for the future. Only with the participation of the whole society and the formation of a joint force can the scientific management and effective protection of water resources be truly realized, and the lucid waters and lush mountains can become the most beautiful background color for rural revitalization.