India’s Groundwater Crisis

Syllabus: GS3/Environment; Pollution

In Context

  • The Union Ministry of Jal Shakti recently released the Annual Groundwater Quality Report 2024, prepared by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB). This comprehensive report sheds light on the state of India’s groundwater resources, their quality, usage trends, and challenges, while emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable management practices.

Key Findings of the Report

  • Groundwater Quality Trends:
    • Positive Indicators:
      • 81% of groundwater samples are suitable for irrigation.
      • 100% of groundwater samples in North-Eastern states were rated as excellent for agriculture.
    • Contamination Concerns:
      • Regions show contamination by nitrates, fluoride, and arsenic, posing health risks.
    • Seasonal Trends:
      • Post-monsoon recharge improves groundwater quality in many regions.
  • Agricultural Suitability:
    • Favorable levels of Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) and Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC) enhance irrigation potential.
    • However, high sodium content in some regions could lead to soil degradation, necessitating targeted interventions.

Challenges to Groundwater Sustainability

  • Over-Extraction: India is the world’s largest extractor of groundwater, accounting for 25% of global withdrawals.
    • 256 out of 700 districts are classified as critical or overexploited.
  • Agricultural Dependency: Unsustainable agricultural practices contribute significantly to groundwater depletion, with traditional crops demanding excessive water.
  • Projected Water Crisis: By 2030, 21 Indian cities are expected to exhaust their groundwater reserves.
  • Climate Change: Erratic monsoons, unpredictable rainfall patterns, and population growth exacerbate groundwater stress.
  • Policy Gaps: Inefficiencies in implementation and lack of stringent regulations continue to hinder groundwater management.

Government Initiatives to Address the Crisis

  1. Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABY): Focuses on water-stressed Gram Panchayats in 80 districts across seven states.
    • Emphasizes community-led water management, including:
      • Water budgeting.
      • Rainwater harvesting and aquifer recharge.
      • Encouraging water-efficient cropping patterns.
  2. Rainwater Harvesting: Promoted through various state-level programs and urban regulations.
    • Examples:
      • Rooftop harvesting in Tamil Nadu.
      • Large-scale recharge structures in Gujarat.
  3. Jal Shakti Abhiyan – Catch the Rain (5th Phase): Encourages rainwater harvesting and water conservation in both rural and urban districts.
  4. Participatory Groundwater Management (PGWM): Encourages local governance, collaboration between communities, and NGOs to monitor and conserve groundwater.
  5. Technological Innovations: Adoption of GIS, remote sensing, and AI for mapping and predicting groundwater availability.
    • Partnerships with ISRO for aquifer mapping and resource planning.
  6. Community-Led Success Stories:
    • Rajasthan: NGOs like Tarun Bharat Sangh revived rivers and aquifers through traditional water harvesting techniques such as johads.
    • Maharashtra’s Pani Foundation: Mobilized villages to adopt watershed management, significantly improving groundwater levels.
    • Gujarat’s Jyotirgram Yojana: Separated electricity feeders for agriculture and domestic use, incentivizing judicious groundwater utilization.

Other Significant Programs

  • Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY): Expands irrigation coverage with a focus on water-use efficiency.
    • Includes components like Har Khet Ko Pani and watershed development.
  • Mission Amrit Sarovar: Aims to create or rejuvenate 75 waterbodies per district to enhance rainwater harvesting.
  • National Aquifer Mapping (NAQUIM): Completed for over 25 lakh sq. km, aiding in recharge and conservation planning.
  • Bureau of Water Use Efficiency (BWUE): Promotes improved water use efficiency across sectors, including irrigation, power generation, and domestic water supply.

Key Recommendations for Groundwater Revival

  • Strengthening Policies and Regulations:  Introduce stringent laws to prevent over-extraction.
    • Ensure accountability in policy implementation at the local level.
  • Promoting Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Encourage micro-irrigation, drip systems, and crop diversification to reduce water demand.
  • Scaling Up Successful Models: Expand initiatives like Atal Bhujal Yojana and PGWM nationwide.
  • Technology-Driven Solutions: Invest in advanced technologies like AI and GIS for real-time monitoring and predictive planning.
  • Public Awareness and Behavioral Change: Raise awareness about groundwater conservation through education and community participation.
  • Climate-Resilient Water Management: Develop contingency plans for regions vulnerable to erratic rainfall and droughts.

Conclusion

  • India’s dependence on groundwater necessitates a holistic approach that integrates policy reforms, technological innovation, and community-led efforts. While initiatives like ABY, rainwater harvesting, and aquifer mapping are steps in the right direction, challenges such as over-extraction, policy gaps, and climate variability require urgent attention. By fostering collective responsibility and embracing sustainable practices, India can ensure water security for its 1.4 billion citizens and preserve this critical resource for future generations.
Daily Mains Practice Question
[Q] How can India’s urban areas address the worsening groundwater crisis while balancing economic development and environmental sustainability?

Source: LM

 

Recent News

Syllabus: GS3/ Economy In Context The debate on the legalisation of Minimum Support Price (MSP) has intensified in recent years. While the intention behind this move is to safeguard farmers' incomes, its implementation carries significant economic, logistical, and systemic risks. A balanced assessment of its benefits and drawbacks is crucial...
Read More

Syllabus: GS3/Indian Economy Context The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), introduced in 2016, was designed to streamline India's insolvency processes, aiming for timely resolutions and maximization of asset value. However, as the law has matured, certain issues have emerged that demand attention, particularly regarding institutional capacity and procedural efficiency. Historical...
Read More

Syllabus: GS3/ Defence Context India's defence sector is undergoing significant transformation, driven by modernization efforts, self-reliance initiatives, and strategic global partnerships. These developments aim to enhance military capabilities and position India as a major player in the global defence market. India’s Defence Sector: Current Overview Growth in Defence Production: Union...
Read More

Syllabus: GS2/ International Relations Context China’s aggressive expansionist strategies have raised alarms globally, particularly among neighboring countries like India. The recent border developments between India and China highlight Beijing’s assertive territorial ambitions, which pose significant geopolitical challenges. Key Elements of China’s Expansionist Strategy Territorial Ambitions in the Indo-Pacific: China’s assertiveness...
Read More

Syllabus: GS3/Economy; Employment; Growth & Development Context India has emerged as one of the world’s most dynamic startup ecosystems, becoming a global hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement. However, to become the world’s leading startup ecosystem, several challenges must be overcome, and opportunities must be harnessed. Current Status of...
Read More