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India’s Groundwater Status and Progress
Context:
The year 2024 saw notable advancements in groundwater management, including an increase in groundwater recharge and a decrease in extraction, signalling progress towards more sustainable water use.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the mantra of “Reduce, Reuse, Recharge and Recycle” to secure the nation’s water future.
Groundwater is essential for drinking, irrigation, and industrial use. It is defined as water that infiltrates the ground from precipitation or melting snow, filling the tiny spaces between rocks and soil particles. The upper boundary of this saturated zone is known as the water table, which can fluctuate based on various factors such as rainfall and human extraction. Aquifers can be composed of materials like gravel, sand, or fractured rock, which allow for the movement of water due to their permeability.
Groundwater Recharge and Extraction:
- Increased Groundwater Recharge: The total annual groundwater recharge increased by 15 billion cubic meters (BCM) in 2024 compared to the 2017 assessment.
- Reduced Extraction: The annual extraction of groundwater decreased by 3 BCM during the same period. This means sustainable practices are gaining traction.
- Improved Safe Category Units: The percentage of assessment units under the safe category increased from 62.6% in 2017 to 73.4% in 2024, demonstrating significant progress.
- Decline in Over-Exploited Units: Over-exploited units reduced from 17.24% in 2017 to 11.13% in 2024.
Groundwater Quality:
- Pollutants and Contaminants: Key pollutants such as arsenic, fluoride, nitrate, and uranium pose health risks. Elevated electrical conductivity (EC) indicates possible contamination from agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, or saline intrusion.
- Suitability for Irrigation: Approximately 81% of groundwater samples are suitable for irrigation, with 100% of samples from northeastern states rated as excellent for irrigation.
- Monitoring: The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) conducts systematic monitoring, leveraging data from over 15,200 monitoring locations and nearly 5,000 trend stations to ensure reliable water quality assessments.
Challenges:
- Despite the progress, challenges remain. Pollution from agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and saline intrusion continues to threaten groundwater quality.
- The Annual Groundwater Quality Report for 2024 highlights the need for stringent monitoring and remediation efforts to ensure safe drinking water for all.
Groundwater Management Initiatives:
- Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS): This initiative funds the construction of water conservation structures, enhancing rural water security.
- 15th Finance Commission Grants: Financial aid for rainwater harvesting and conservation activities.
- Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA): Launched in 2019, the fifth phase of JSA, “Catch the Rain 2024,” focuses on rainwater harvesting and water conservation.
- Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0: Focuses on groundwater recharge through Aquifer Management Plans.
- Atal Bhujal Yojana (2020): Targeting water-stressed regions, this scheme focuses on groundwater management in rural districts.
- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY): This initiative aims to expand irrigation and improve water-use efficiency, contributing to more sustainable water usage in agriculture.
- Mission Amrit Sarovar (2022): Aims to create or rejuvenate 75 Amrit Sarovars per district for water conservation.
- National Aquifer Mapping (NAQUIM): Led by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), this initiative maps aquifers across India to support groundwater recharge and conservation efforts.
- Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater: Developed for 1.42 crore rainwater harvesting structures.
- National Water Policy (2012): Advocates for rainwater harvesting and direct use of rainfall.
- National Water Awards: Established to recognise contributions to water conservation and management.
Way Forward:
- India’s collaborative efforts between central and state governments have led to measurable improvements in groundwater recharge and management.
- Continued focus on reducing contamination, improving efficiency, and enhancing public awareness is crucial.
- Innovations like rainwater harvesting, artificial recharge, and sustainable aquifer management are the backbone of these efforts.
