The Government of Punjab, on July 16, 2026, notified a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and timeline for processing NOC Drainage applications submitted through the Water Resources Department (WRD) Portal. The SOP prescribes a structured workflow, defined timelines, and responsibilities for processing applications for drainage-related No Objection Certificates.
The SOP outlines the end-to-end approval process, including application scrutiny, technical inspections, engineering reports, design office review, recommendations by field and circle offices, final scrutiny, Government approval, and issuance of the NOC. It also specifies timelines for each stage to ensure time-bound disposal of applications and clarifies that applications outside the prescribed distance from departmental drains may be issued a certificate stating that no drainage NOC is required.
The notification further provides procedures for withdrawal and deactivation of applications, escalation of rejection proposals, and deemed approval wherever applicable under the Punjab Right to Business Act, 2020 and related rules. The SOP applies to all NOC Drainage applications received through the Water Resources Department Portal, Invest Punjab Portal, or any other Government-approved digital platform.
[Notification No. WR-IRWR04/4/2026-IW1/369]
