Context: According to annual reports on groundwater resources in 2024, total yearly groundwater recharge increased significantly by 15 BCM (Billion Cubic Meters), while extraction decreased by 3 BCM compared to the 2017 assessment.
Country’s Groundwater Resources
- The Central Groundwater Board (CGWB), with State Groundwater Departments, releases the ‘National Compilation on Dynamic Groundwater Resources of India, 2024,‘ providing a state-wise overview to support effective policies and management strategies.
- According to the latest report, the total annual groundwater recharge is assessed at 446.90 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM), with an extractable resource of 406.19 BCM and an annual extraction of 245.64 BCM.
- The report highlights increased recharge, mainly due to water bodies, tanks, and conservation structures and shows improvements in groundwater
key highlights of Report-2024
- Recharge from Tanks, Ponds and WCS (Water Control System) has shown a consistent increase in the last five assessments. In the year 2024, it has increased by 0.39 BCM with respect to 2023.
- For the year 2017, there is an increase of 11.36 BCM in recharge from Tanks, Ponds & WCS (from 13.98 BCM in 2017 to 25.34 BCM in 2024).
- The percentage of Assessment Units under the Safe Category has increased from 62.6% in 2017 to 73.4 % in 2024.
- The percentage of Over Exploited Assessment units has declined from 17.24 % in 2017 to 11.13 % in 2024.
Clean Groundwater:
- Maintaining groundwater quality is just as crucial as its recharge for sustainable water management.
- Key pollutants such as Arsenic, Fluoride, Chloride, Uranium, and Nitrate pose serious health risks, either through direct toxicity or long-term exposure.
- Elevated Electrical Conductivity (EC) can indicate contamination from agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, or saline intrusion, while Iron contamination may lead to gastrointestinal issues, highlighting the importance of careful water quality monitoring.
- The 2024 Annual Groundwater Quality Report analyzes data from 15,200 monitoring locations and 4,982 trend stations to assess contamination impacts across India.
- 81% of groundwater samples suit irrigation, with 100% “excellent” in Northeastern states, highlighting favorable agricultural conditions.
Ground Water Assessment and Management Initiatives
These positive outcomes are the result of collaborative efforts between state and central governments. The Government of India has launched various initiatives to preserve water and ensure its availability for future generations.
Key schemes include:
- Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS): Includes water conservation and water harvesting structures, enhancing rural water security.
- 15th Finance Commission Grants: Provides financial assistance to states for rainwater harvesting and other water conservation activities.
- Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA): Launched in 2019, now in its 5th phase (“Catch the Rain” 2024), focusing on rainwater harvesting and water conservation across rural and urban districts through the convergence of various schemes.
- Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0: Supports rainwater harvesting via stormwater drains and promotes groundwater recharge through ‘Aquifer Management Plans’.
- The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs has formulated guidelines for the States Adopt local measures like UBBL 2016, MBBL 2016, and URDPFI 2014, focusing on rainwater harvesting and water conservation.
- Atal Bhujal Yojana (2020): Targets water-stressed Gram Panchayats in 80 districts across 7 states, focusing on groundwater management.
- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY): Aims to expand irrigation coverage and improve water use efficiency through components like Har Khet Ko Pani, Repair & Renovation of water bodies, and Surface Minor Irrigation schemes.
- The Ministry of Jal Shakti has set up the Bureau of Water Use Efficiency (BWUE) under the National Water Mission on 20.10.2022, to act as a facilitator for promotion of improving water use efficiency across various sectors namely irrigation, drinking water supply, power generation, industries, etc. in the country.
- Mission Amrit Sarovar (2022): Aims to create or rejuvenate 75 Amrit Sarovars in every district for water harvesting and conservation.
- National Aquifer Mapping (NAQUIM): Completed by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) for over 25 lakh sq. km, supporting groundwater recharge and conservation plans.
- Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater (2020): Developed by CGWB, plans for 1.42 crore rainwater harvesting and recharge structures to harness 185 BCM of rainfall.
- CGWB, under the Ground Water Management and Regulation Scheme, has also implemented several successful artificial recharge projects in the country for demonstrative purpose which enable the State Governments to replicate the same in suitable hydro-geological conditions.
- National Water Policy (2012) has been formulated by Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, which inter-alia advocates rainwater harvesting and conservation of water and also highlights the need for augmenting the availability of water through direct use of rainfall.
- Watershed Development Component of PMKSY (WDC-PMKSY): Focuses on rainfed and degraded lands, incorporating activities like soil conservation, rainwater harvesting, and livelihood development.
- National Water Awards: Launched in 2018, the National Water Awards recognize contributions to water conservation. For the 6th edition, application submissions are extended until January 31, 2025.
Conclusion:
India’s collaborative efforts and key initiatives have led to significant improvements in groundwater recharge, quality, and management. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, these measures ensure a secure water future for generations to come. Continued dedication will help maintain clean, accessible water for all.