Q14. The groundwater potential of the gangetic valley is on a serious decline. How may it affect the food security of India? (15M)

Introduction

The Gangetic Valley, characterized by the Ganges River and its tributaries, is experiencing a significant decline in groundwater resources, which poses serious threats to agriculture, drinking water availability, and overall ecological health in the region.

Factors leading to decline of Groundwater Potential in the Gangetic Valley

• Over-extraction for Agriculture: The relentless pursuit of agricultural productivity, particularly through groundwater irrigation, has led to alarming decreases in water levels. g. In states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, over 90% of irrigation is sourced from groundwater, leading to alarming depletion rates.

• g. In states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, over 90% of irrigation is sourced from groundwater, leading to alarming depletion rates.

• Industrial and Domestic Use: The rapid pace of urbanization and industrialization has intensified the pressure on groundwater supplies. The growing demand for domestic water, coupled with inadequate recharge mechanisms, accelerates the depletion of these vital resources. g. In cities like Kanpur and Varanasi, industrial activities and population growth have led to increased groundwater extraction, with urban areas facing severe water shortages during peak seasons.

• g. In cities like Kanpur and Varanasi, industrial activities and population growth have led to increased groundwater extraction, with urban areas facing severe water shortages during peak seasons.

• Climate Change Impact: Erratic monsoon patterns and rising temperatures have hindered natural groundwater replenishment. The Gangetic plain, which depends heavily on seasonal monsoon rains, is experiencing shortened periods of recharge, exacerbating water scarcity. g. In 2020, Uttar Pradesh reported a 25% decrease in monsoon rainfall, leading to significant crop losses and reduced groundwater recharge, affecting farmers’ livelihoods.

• g. In 2020, Uttar Pradesh reported a 25% decrease in monsoon rainfall, leading to significant crop losses and reduced groundwater recharge, affecting farmers’ livelihoods.

• Inefficient Water Management: The absence of sustainable groundwater management practices, alongside reliance on traditional flood irrigation methods, further complicates the situation and leads to resource mismanagement. g. Studies in the region indicate that traditional flood irrigation methods waste up to 40% of water, contributing to the rapid depletion of groundwater levels.

• g. Studies in the region indicate that traditional flood irrigation methods waste up to 40% of water, contributing to the rapid depletion of groundwater levels.

Impact of Declining Groundwater Potential on India’s Food Security

• Reduced Agricultural Output: The diminishing groundwater supply directly jeopardizes agricultural productivity in the Gangetic plains, a critical area for India’s food production. g. In Punjab, which contributes around 60% of India’s wheat production, declining water availability has led to reports of a 10-20% drop in crop yields in recent years.

• g. In Punjab, which contributes around 60% of India’s wheat production, declining water availability has led to reports of a 10-20% drop in crop yields in recent years.

• Increased Cost of Farming: As farmers are compelled to drill deeper wells or invest in costly water-saving technologies, production expenses rise, thereby reducing overall profitability and heightening farmer distress. E.g. Farmers in Haryana have reported spending up to ₹1.5 lakhs on drilling deeper borewells, significantly increasing their operational costs.

• E.g. Farmers in Haryana have reported spending up to ₹1.5 lakhs on drilling deeper borewells, significantly increasing their operational costs.

• Shift to Less Water-Intensive Crops: With declining water availability, farmers may be forced to transition from water-intensive crops such as rice and sugarcane to less demanding alternatives, which could impact national food staples. g. In response to water shortages, Punjab’s state government has initiated programs encouraging farmers to reduce paddy cultivation and adopt crops like millet and pulses.

• g. In response to water shortages, Punjab’s state government has initiated programs encouraging farmers to reduce paddy cultivation and adopt crops like millet and pulses.

• Impact on Rural Livelihoods: Water scarcity threatens agricultural employment and rural incomes, prompting migration to urban centres and leading to significant social and economic disruptions. g. A study found that in regions like Bihar, 30% of farmers have migrated to cities in search of better job opportunities due to the declining viability of agriculture.

• g. A study found that in regions like Bihar, 30% of farmers have migrated to cities in search of better job opportunities due to the declining viability of agriculture.

• Compromised Food Security Goals: India’s objective of achieving food self-sufficiency could be undermined, as the depletion of groundwater resources jeopardizes the capacity to maintain current levels of food production. g. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has raised alarms that India may face food security challenges if groundwater depletion continues, particularly in critical states like Punjab and Haryana.

• g. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has raised alarms that India may face food security challenges if groundwater depletion continues, particularly in critical states like Punjab and Haryana.

Conclusion

It is crucial for government agencies, local communities, and various stakeholders to collaborate effectively in addressing this issue to ensure the long-term viability of water resources in the region.