Mandatory permits and a cess on groundwater use to irrigate cash crops, run industry or for mining are among the measures proposed by the Government in a draft Bill that aims at conserving groundwater. The Model Bill for the Protection, Conservation, Management and Regulation of Groundwater — which was discussed at a consultative meeting by the Planning Commission with experts and civil society members — proposes to strengthen the regulatory powers of gram sabhas, panchayats and municipal bodies, set up groundwater sanctuaries and impose stiff penalties for misuse.