Groundwater Resource Assessment Report 2024 Released

The Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report for 2024 was released by the Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri CR Patil, on 31 December 2024. This report, compiled by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) in collaboration with various States and Union Territories, provides crucial data for stakeholders to implement effective groundwater management strategies. The report marks trends in groundwater recharge and extraction across India.

Annual Groundwater Recharge and Extraction Data

The total annual groundwater recharge for India has been assessed at 446.90 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM). After accounting for natural discharge, the extractable groundwater resource stands at 406.19 BCM. The total groundwater extraction for various uses is recorded at 245.64 BCM. This results in an average groundwater extraction rate of 60.47%, indicating a balanced approach to resource utilisation.

Assessment Units Categorisation

Out of 6746 assessment units, 4951 (73.4%) are classified as ‘Safe’. Meanwhile, 711 (10.5%) units are ‘Semi-critical’, 206 (3.05%) are ‘Critical’, and 751 (11.1%) are ‘Over-exploited’. Additionally, 127 (1.8%) units are marked as ‘Saline’, where groundwater is predominantly brackish or saline.

Trends in Groundwater Conditions

The assessment indicates a positive trend in groundwater recharge, attributed mainly to improved recharge from water bodies, tanks, and conservation structures. Notably, there is an improvement in groundwater conditions in 128 assessment units compared to 2023. The percentage of over-exploited and critical units has also decreased, denoting effective management strategies.

Comparison with Previous Assessments

In comparison to the 2017 assessment, the total annual groundwater recharge has increased by 15 BCM, while extraction has decreased by 3 BCM. However, there is a slight reduction in recharge and a marginal increase in extraction compared to the previous year. Recharge from tanks, ponds, and water conservation structures has shown a consistent upward trend, increasing by 0.39 BCM from 2023.

Improvement in Safe Assessment Units

The percentage of assessment units classified as ‘Safe’ has risen from 62.6% in 2017 to 73.4% in 2024. This demonstrates improvement in groundwater management practices. Conversely, the proportion of over-exploited units has reduced from 17.24% in 2017 to 11.13% in 2024, reflecting positive outcomes in resource conservation.

Stakeholder Involvement

The release of this report involved key figures from the Ministry of Jal Shakti, including Ms. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary of the Department of Water Resources, and Dr. Sunil Kumar Ambast, Chairman of CGWB. Their participation puts stress on the importance of collaborative efforts in managing India’s groundwater resources.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Estimate the changes in groundwater management strategies in India from 2017 to 2024.
2. Critically discuss the implications of groundwater over-exploitation on agricultural practices in India.
3. Examine the role of water conservation structures in improving groundwater recharge across the country.
4. Analyse the impact of saline groundwater on local communities and agricultural productivity in affected regions.

Answer Hints:

1. Estimate the changes in groundwater management strategies in India from 2017 to 2024.

1. Increase in total annual groundwater recharge by 15 BCM, indicating better management practices.
2. Reduction in the percentage of over-exploited units from 17.24% in 2017 to 11.13% in 2024.
3. Rise in ‘Safe’ assessment units from 62.6% in 2017 to 73.4% in 2024, reflecting improved conservation efforts.
4. Enhanced recharge from tanks, ponds, and water conservation structures, showcasing effective resource utilization.
5. Collaboration between Central Ground Water Board and states for data-driven interventions and policies.

2. Critically discuss the implications of groundwater over-exploitation on agricultural practices in India.

1. Over-exploitation leads to reduced water availability for irrigation, impacting crop yields and food security.
2. Increased costs for farmers due to deeper drilling and reliance on alternative water sources.
3. Degradation of soil quality and increased salinity levels, affecting crop health and productivity.
4. Potential for conflicts over water resources among agricultural communities and sectors.
5. Long-term sustainability of agriculture threatened, necessitating urgent policy interventions.

3. Examine the role of water conservation structures in improving groundwater recharge across the country.

1. Water conservation structures like tanks and ponds enhance surface water retention, increasing groundwater recharge.
2. Increased recharge from these structures noted by a rise of 11.36 BCM from 2017 to 2024.
3. Facilitate rainwater harvesting, promoting sustainable water management practices.
4. Support local ecosystems and biodiversity while improving community resilience against droughts.
5. Encourage community participation and awareness in water conservation efforts.

4. Analyse the impact of saline groundwater on local communities and agricultural productivity in affected regions.

1. Saline groundwater limits agricultural choices, reducing crop diversity and yields.
2. Increased salinity can lead to soil degradation, further diminishing agricultural productivity.
3. Communities face challenges in accessing fresh water for drinking and sanitation, impacting health.
4. Economic implications include reduced income for farmers and increased costs for desalination or alternative water sourcing.
5. Long-term reliance on saline groundwater can lead to migration and social disruption in affected areas.