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News:

A new hydrology model-based study has proven a clear correlation between urbanization and a decline in groundwater reserves in five Indian states.

The paper, titled Detection and Socio-economic Attribution of Groundwater Depletion in India, was published in the journal Hydrogeology Journal.

The study utilized data from the Central Groundwater Board (CGWB) from 2003 to 2020 and from the India Meteorological Department to examine changes in rainfall patterns over the same period.

The study raises serious concerns for five hotspots: Punjab and Haryana (Hotspot I), Uttar Pradesh (Hotspot II), West Bengal (Hotspot III), Chhattisgarh (Hotspot IV) and Kerala (Hotspot V).

Key findings of the Study:

1. The northern and northwestern hotspots (I & II): They have suffered a staggering loss of approximately 64.6 billion cubic metres of water over the past two decades.
2. Punjab & Haryana were the most affected areas showing the highest decline in India.
3. Uttar Pradesh: Urban expansion has shifted water usage from agriculture to domestic needs.
4. Chhattisgarh: Increased irrigation, domestic, and industrial use are causes of reduced groundwater availability.
5. West Bengal & Kerala: Domestic and industrial use surged by 24% & 34% respectively.

The Government of India has undertaken various initiatives to address the critical issue of groundwater depletion and improve groundwater management. Here are some key initiatives:

Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal)

Launched in 2020, Atal Bhujal Yojana is a Central Sector Scheme aimed at improving groundwater management. It focuses on promoting sustainable groundwater management in seven priority states: Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.

Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA)

Launched in 2019, this campaign focuses on water conservation and rainwater harvesting. It includes initiatives like watershed development, renovation of water bodies, afforestation, and recharge of groundwater through rainwater harvesting.

National Aquifer Mapping and Management Program (NAQUIM)

Led by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), this program involves mapping aquifers (underground water-bearing formations) across the country. The goal is to assess groundwater availability and develop management strategies tailored to the characteristics of each aquifer.

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) – Per Drop More Crop

PMKSY promotes efficient irrigation and aims to improve water-use efficiency in agriculture, which is a major consumer of groundwater in India. The "Per Drop More Crop" component focuses on micro-irrigation techniques like drip and sprinkler systems, which reduce water usage and help prevent over-extraction of groundwater.

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)

MGNREGA, primarily an employment scheme, has been widely used for groundwater recharge activities. The scheme funds projects such as construction of check dams, ponds, and other water harvesting structures to recharge groundwater, especially in rural areas.

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