Groundwater resources and challenges

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.