Jhabua: The tribal-dominated Jhabua district of Madhya Pradesh, bordering Gujarat, has been declared as ‘water scarce’, leading to a ban on digging of tube-wells and irrigation without prior permission, an official said on Tuesday.

In an order issued during the day, the district administration declared Jhabua as water-scarce under MP Peya-Jal Parirakshan Adhiniyam, an official said.

“Public drinking water sources cannot be used for irrigation or industrial purposes without prior permission of the district administration. Digging tube wells will not be allowed without prior permission.

However, tube-wells of farmers will be free from these restrictions,” the official said quoting the order. Violators could be fined Rs 2,000 or may face a jail sentence of two years, he added.