Why is it in the news?
- The ‘Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report’ represents a collaborative effort between the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and various States/Union Territories.
- As the apex organization under the Ministry of Jal Shakti dealing with groundwater-related matters, the CGWB plays a pivotal role in understanding and managing India’s groundwater resources.
Key Highlights of the Report
- Total annual groundwater recharge is 449.08 billion cubic meters (BCM), reflecting an 11.48 BCM increase from the previous year.
- Annual groundwater extraction: 241.34 BCM.
- The report attributes increased groundwater recharge to factors such as canal seepage, return flow of irrigation water, and recharges from water bodies, tanks, and water conservation structures.
- Rainfall contributes nearly 60% to the total annual groundwater recharge.
Implications of Groundwater Extraction
- Rapid depletion of groundwater reserves leading to increased carbon emissions.
- Linked to irreversible land subsidence, with potential long-term consequences.
- Associated with the climate crisis, impacting ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Groundwater extraction, at its lowest since 2004, decreased by about 6 BCM in 2022 compared to 2020. This decline has resulted in increased costs and adverse effects on food supply, affecting communities.
Steps for Groundwater Conservation
| Initiative | Objective | Key Focus Areas |
| National Aquifer Mapping and Management (NAQUIM) | Delineate aquifers, characterize them, and prepare comprehensive management plans for sustainable use. | Aquifer mapping and sustainable management plans. |
| Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater (2020) | Comprehensive plan covering both rural and urban areas, especially those facing water scarcity. | Artificial recharge methods to replenish groundwater resources. |
| Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA – 2019) | Launched in water-stressed blocks across 256 districts in the country. | Harvesting monsoon rainfall, creating artificial recharge structures, watershed management, intensive afforestation, and awareness generation. |
| Atal Bhujal Yojana | Implemented collaboratively with States in water-stressed areas of specific states (Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh). | Demand-side management through scientific means, active involvement of local communities at the village level, leading to sustainable groundwater management. |
Get Updates on New Notification about APPSC, TSPSC and UPSC
Get Current Affairs Updates Directly into your Inbox