Groundwater Conservation

Syllabus: Water Resources

Source: PIB

Context: Recent reports by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) highlight positive trends in groundwater recharge and reduced extraction, showcasing the potential of collaborative efforts and innovative policies.

• Improvements (2017–2024): (Source: National Compilation on Dynamic Ground Water Resources of India, 2024) Groundwater recharge increased by 15 BCM. Extraction decreased by 3 BCM. Safe assessment units increased from 62.6% (2017) to 73.4% (2024). Over-exploited units declined from 17.24% to 11.13%.

• Groundwater recharge increased by 15 BCM.

• Extraction decreased by 3 BCM.

• Safe assessment units increased from 62.6% (2017) to 73.4% (2024).

• Over-exploited units declined from 17.24% to 11.13%.

• Government Initiatives for Groundwater Conservation

• Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Focuses on rainwater harvesting and water conservation under the “Catch the Rain” campaign.

• Atal Bhujal Yojana (2020): Targets groundwater management in water-stressed regions across seven states.

• Mission Amrit Sarovar (2022): Plans to create/rejuvenate 75 Amrit Sarovars in each district for water harvesting.

• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY): Expands irrigation coverage and improves water-use efficiency.

• National Aquifer Mapping (NAQUIM): Covers 25 lakh sq. km, aiding in better planning for groundwater recharge.

• Master Plan for Artificial Recharge (2020): Proposes 42 crore rainwater harvesting structures to harness 185 BCM of rainfall.

• Watershed Development Component of PMKSY (WDC-PMKSY): Promotes soil conservation and rainwater harvesting.

• National Water Policy (2012): Advocates rainwater harvesting and efficient water use.

• Challenges Facing Groundwater: Over-extraction: Excessive use of groundwater for irrigation and domestic needs is depleting reserves faster than they can recharge. Pollution: Groundwater is increasingly contaminated by arsenic, fluoride, nitrates, and industrial pollutants, impacting health and agriculture. Declining Water Tables: Unsustainable practices in urban and rural areas are causing groundwater levels to drop alarmingly. Climate Change: Shifting rainfall patterns are disrupting groundwater recharge cycles, exacerbating water scarcity. Urbanization: Expansion of cities reduces recharge zones and limits infiltration, worsening groundwater depletion.

• Over-extraction: Excessive use of groundwater for irrigation and domestic needs is depleting reserves faster than they can recharge.

• Pollution: Groundwater is increasingly contaminated by arsenic, fluoride, nitrates, and industrial pollutants, impacting health and agriculture.

• Declining Water Tables: Unsustainable practices in urban and rural areas are causing groundwater levels to drop alarmingly.

• Climate Change: Shifting rainfall patterns are disrupting groundwater recharge cycles, exacerbating water scarcity.

• Urbanization: Expansion of cities reduces recharge zones and limits infiltration, worsening groundwater depletion.

• Way Ahead: Policy Interventions: Enforce sustainable groundwater use laws and introduce incentives for adopting conservation techniques. Technology Integration: Leverage AI and IoT for real-time groundwater monitoring and optimized water resource management. Community Engagement: Foster awareness campaigns and involve local communities in groundwater conservation initiatives. Integrated Water Management: Encourage the use of surface and rainwater to complement groundwater and reduce dependence.

• Policy Interventions: Enforce sustainable groundwater use laws and introduce incentives for adopting conservation techniques.

• Technology Integration: Leverage AI and IoT for real-time groundwater monitoring and optimized water resource management.

• Community Engagement: Foster awareness campaigns and involve local communities in groundwater conservation initiatives.

• Integrated Water Management: Encourage the use of surface and rainwater to complement groundwater and reduce dependence.

Conclusion:

India’s significant progress in groundwater recharge and conservation underscores the importance of collaborative efforts. By continuing sustainable practices, technological innovations, and community participation, India can secure its water future and lead the way in global water management.

Insta Links:

• Groundwater-conservation-in-India

• What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security? (UPSC-2020)

• Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious use under the depleting scenario. (UPSC-2020)