- Groundwater is the water found beneath the Earth's surface in aquifers, which are permeable rocks or sediments.
- India is the largest user of groundwater in the world, with agriculture being the primary consumer.
- The total replenishable groundwater resources in India are estimated to be approximately 433 billion cubic meters (BCM).
- Major sources of groundwater recharge include rainfall, seepage from rivers, canals, and irrigation fields.
- The largest groundwater reserves are found in the Indo-Gangetic plains, which span northern and eastern India.
- Regions like Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh have high rates of groundwater extraction due to intensive agriculture.
- Hard rock regions in peninsular India, such as Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, have limited groundwater availability.
- Groundwater over-extraction has led to declining water tables in several regions, especially in North India.
- Depletion of groundwater affects agricultural productivity and increases costs for water extraction.
- Excessive use of groundwater has resulted in salinity and contamination in regions like Gujarat and Rajasthan.
- Groundwater in coastal areas is prone to saltwater intrusion due to over-pumping.
- Pollutants like nitrates, arsenic, and fluoride are major contaminants affecting groundwater quality.
- Arsenic contamination is severe in areas of West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam.
- Fluoride contamination affects states like Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.
- Urbanization and industrial growth have increased groundwater pollution through the discharge of untreated effluents.
- Unregulated borewells have contributed significantly to groundwater depletion.
- The government has initiated the Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY) to promote sustainable groundwater management.
- Rainwater harvesting is encouraged as a measure to recharge groundwater resources.
- The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) monitors groundwater levels and quality across India.
- Groundwater is categorized into dynamic resources (replenishable annually) and in-storage resources (long-term reserves).
- The Dynamic Groundwater Resources Report is published periodically to assess the availability and usage.
- Groundwater contributes to drinking water supply in rural and urban areas.
- The Groundwater Act aims to regulate its use, but implementation varies across states.
- The Central Water Commission emphasizes integrating surface and groundwater management.
- Over 85% of irrigation in India is dependent on groundwater, especially in water-scarce regions.
- The practice of flood irrigation leads to significant wastage of groundwater resources.
- Adopting drip and sprinkler irrigation methods can conserve groundwater.
- Awareness campaigns promote sustainable groundwater usage among farmers.
- Groundwater-dependent industries are required to adopt water recycling measures.
- Interlinking of rivers aims to reduce the over-dependence on groundwater in water-stressed areas.
- Climate change impacts, such as reduced rainfall and longer dry periods, exacerbate groundwater depletion.
- Strengthening laws to prevent over-extraction is essential for groundwater sustainability.
- The use of GIS mapping helps in identifying aquifers and managing groundwater resources effectively.
- India has over 20 million groundwater extraction structures, including wells, tube wells, and borewells.
- States like Punjab and Haryana show an alarming groundwater decline of over 1 meter annually.
- Recharge zones, such as forests and wetlands, need protection to maintain groundwater levels.
- Adoption of conjunctive use of surface and groundwater can reduce over-dependence.
- Groundwater-dependent ecosystems, such as springs and wetlands, face threats from depletion.
- Government policies encourage the establishment of community groundwater recharge systems.
- Increased water-use efficiency in agriculture is critical to reducing groundwater stress.
- Traditional water conservation systems, such as step wells and tanks, should be revived.
- The role of panchayats is crucial in managing local groundwater resources.
- Programs like MGNREGA have contributed to groundwater recharge through water conservation projects.
- The integration of groundwater management with climate adaptation strategies is necessary for sustainable development.
- Artificial recharge techniques, such as percolation pits and check dams, are gaining importance.