Recently, the Union Minister of Jal Shakti released the Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report. This assessment covers the entirety of India for the year 2022.
An Overview of The Assessment’s Highlights and Findings
The annual ground water recharge stands at 437.60 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM), marking an increase compared to the 2020 assessment. Meanwhile, extraction has decreased since the 2020 assessment, constituting the lowest figure since 2004. Of all the assessed units, 1006 are categorized as over-exploited. Groundwater extraction mainly goes towards irrigation use, accounting for about 87% of the total extraction. Domestic and industrial use only represents 13% of the total extraction.
Detailed Statewise Groundwater Extraction
Regarding groundwater extraction, certain states exceed 100%, such as Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu. States like Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and a few UTs range between 60-100%. The rest of the states fall below 60%.
Status of Groundwater in India
India is the largest user of groundwater globally with a quarter of the total worldwide withdrawal. Approximately 48% of Indian cities’ water supply comes from groundwater. However, unmanaged groundwater combined with increasing population could lead to seasonal water shortages by 2050 for an estimated 3.1 billion people and perpetual shortage for nearly a billion. Water and food security may also be compromised, leading to urban poverty despite sound infrastructure development.
Challenges with Groundwater Management
Historically, being a common pool resource, groundwater extraction saw little regulation. Rising population, urbanisation and expansion of irrigation activities have triggered a steady increase in groundwater extraction. The uncontrolled extraction and pollution of groundwater aggravate the situation further, exacerbated by climate change effects causing long spells of floods and droughts which adversely impact groundwater quality and quantity.
Government Initiatives on Groundwater Management
Recognising these challenges, the government has launched several key initiatives. These include the Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal), Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA), and Aquifer Mapping and Management Programme. The former is a centrally sponsored scheme with World Bank assistance for sustainable management of groundwater resources facilitated by community participation. The JSA aims to improve water availability, particularly in water-stressed districts, through the creation of recharge structures and intensive afforestation. As part of the programme, the Central Ground Water Board has delineated aquifer disposition and characterization for preparation of aquifer-specific groundwater management plans with community involvement.
Drawing from an Integrated Water Resource Management Framework
Applying an integrated water resource management framework could form part of the solution. This model encourages coordinated development and management of water, land, and related resources. Alongside this, adopting water-sensitive urban design and planning can help maintain the water cycle by managing various forms of water for demand and supply. Provision for wastewater recycling and reusing also promotes source sustainability and mitigates groundwater pollution.
Additional Interventions on Groundwater Management
Other interventions like rainwater harvesting, stormwater harvesting, rain-gardens, bio-retention ponds that intercept rainfall with vegetated land provide low-maintenance alternatives to conventional systems. These methods aid in groundwater recharge and mitigating urban flood.
Last Modified: February 18, 2024