The issue of groundwater conservation has become a critical concern in India, owing to the country’s heavy reliance on this resource for irrigation purposes. Approximately 70% of food production in India is accomplished with the aid of irrigation wells, drawing out an astounding volume of the global groundwater resources. The resulting overdependence on groundwater is precipitating a crisis that demands immediate and holistic action.
India: The World’s Largest Groundwater Extractor
The 2018 UNESCO World Water Development Report identifies India as the world’s largest extractor of groundwater. The construction of irrigation wells within the country requires no prior clearance and there is a lack of record-keeping concerning abandoned wells. Every day, hundreds of wells are constructed and subsequently abandoned when they run dry.
Moreover, the contribution of groundwater to India’s national gross domestic product (GDP) remains unmeasured. The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB, Ministry of Jal Shakti) reveals that with 230 billion cubic metres of groundwater drawn annually for crop irrigation, many regions in India are witnessing swift groundwater depletion.
Causes of Groundwater Depletion in India
The factors contributing to this depletion are varied. They range from increasing demand for water due to domestic, industrial and agricultural needs, limited storage capabilities due to hard rock terrain and inadequate rainfall especially in Central India.
Water-intensive crops have come to be grown in drought-prone regions due to the Green Revolution, causing over extraction of groundwater. Frequent water pumping without allowing for replenishment, subsidies on electricity, high minimum support price (MSP) for water intensive crops, and pollution from various sources – all contribute to the depletion and damage of groundwater resources.
The Crucial Role of Women in Groundwater Usage
In irrigated agriculture, women comprise a significant portion of the labour force. However, their decision-making capacity in investments on wells is limited. Unaware of their rights concerning land, natural resources and access to banking services, they often lack the requisite legal support. Yet, women are invariably at the forefront when it comes to tackling the groundwater crisis, be it managing drinking water shortages, finding alternate livelihoods, or running the farm and family.
Government Efforts Towards Groundwater Conservation
The government has launched a number of initiatives to address the groundwater crisis. These include the Atal Bhujal Yojana and the National Aquifer Mapping and Management Programme.
A New Approach: Women’s Participation and Local Governance in Groundwater Conservation
There is a growing recognition of the distinctive perspective women bring to the table in matters relating to groundwater conservation. Women’s judgement differs from that of men concerning crop plans, water demand and the water footprint of crops. This was exemplified during the Chipko movement, where women refused to settle for anything less than a complete halt to tree-felling to protect the environment, unlike their male counterparts.
More regulated pumping, based on approved crop plans, and conducting yearly groundwater audits scaled up to river basins are other noteworthy steps. Reinforcing grassroots democracy, fortifying local institutions and exercising local governance can also positively impact groundwater conservation.
Sources: DTE
