India’s Groundwater Crisis

India faces a severe groundwater crisis driven by over-irrigation, population growth, and contamination. Groundwater supports 62% of irrigation and 85% of rural water needs, making it indispensable. However, unsustainable agricultural practices, reliance on water-intensive crops, urbanization, erratic rainfall, and pollution have depleted and degraded this vital resource.

Despite initiatives like the Atal Bhujal Yojana and Jal Shakti Abhiyan, challenges persist. Excessive extraction, subsidies promoting overuse, and inadequate regulatory frameworks worsen the situation. Immediate action is needed, including water-efficient agricultural practices, improved monitoring, and innovative solutions like aquifer mapping and rainwater harvesting.

Adopting global best practices, such as precision irrigation and groundwater regulation, alongside stronger policies and community participation, is crucial for safeguarding India’s groundwater for future generations.

Key Highlights and Terminologies

Current Scenario of Groundwater Usage in India

• Groundwater Usage: India is the largest consumer of groundwater globally, extracting nearly 25% of the world’s groundwater annually.
  • Annual extraction (2023): 241.34 billion cubic meters (bcm).
  • Overexploited Units: Approximately 11.23% (736 assessment units) show extraction exceeding replenishable recharge levels. (Source: Dynamic Groundwater Resource Assessment Report 2023).
• Dependency:
  • Irrigation: Groundwater meets 62% of irrigation needs.
  • Rural Water Supply: 85% of rural water demand is met by groundwater.
  • Urban Water Supply: Supplies 50% of urban water needs.

Factors Leading to Groundwater Shortage and Contamination

1. Water-Intensive Agriculture Practices:
   • Crops like paddy and sugarcane demand excessive water.
   • Electricity and water subsidies in states like Punjab and Haryana incentivize unregulated water pumping.
   • Example: Haryana faces a 14 bcm annual water deficit against a demand of 35 bcm/year.
2. Population Growth and Urbanization:
   • Between 2016 and 2023, India’s population increased from 1.29 billion to 1.45 billion, amplifying groundwater needs.
   • Urban areas depend on groundwater for 45% of their water supply.
   • Cities like Bengaluru heavily rely on tankers due to falling groundwater levels.
3. Climate Change:
   • Erratic monsoons reduce groundwater recharge.
   • In 2023, cumulative rainfall fell short by 5.6%, with over 200 districts witnessing deficient precipitation.
   • Example: Tamil Nadu’s aquifers are overexploited due to declining monsoon rainfall.
4. Industrial and Agricultural Pollution:
   • Industrial Discharge: Industries release untreated effluents containing heavy metals (e.g., chromium, mercury).
     • Example: Kanpur’s tannery effluents have contaminated aquifers with chromium and mercury.
   • Fertilizer Runoff: Excessive use of fertilizers leads to nitrate contamination in 56% of districts, exceeding the safe limit of 45 mg/L.
5. Salinity and Coastal Intrusion:
   • Over-pumping in coastal regions leads to saline water intrusion into aquifers.
   • Example: Gujarat’s aquifers in 28 out of 33 districts (85%) are affected by salinity.

Regulatory Framework for Groundwater Management

1. Central-Level Regulation:
   • Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA): Established in 1997 under the Environmental Protection Act, 1986. It regulates groundwater extraction and mandates rainwater harvesting in notified areas.
   • Central Ground Water Board (CGWB): Conducts assessments and manages recharge projects under the Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater (2020), targeting 1.42 crore recharge structures.
2. State-Level Regulation:
   • State Groundwater Acts: States like Gujarat and Maharashtra have enacted laws empowering local authorities to manage extraction and conservation.
   • Model Groundwater Bill (2017): Encourages states to adopt sustainable and participatory groundwater management practices.

Government Initiatives for Groundwater Management

1. Atal Bhujal Yojana (2020):
   • Targets groundwater management in 80 districts across 7 states.
2. Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA):
   • Phase 5 (2024): Focuses on rainwater harvesting and conservation through the “Catch the Rain” initiative.
3. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY):
   • Promotes efficient irrigation practices like Har Khet Ko Pani.
4. Mission Amrit Sarovar (2022):
   • Aims to rejuvenate 75 water bodies per district for enhanced conservation.
5. National Aquifer Mapping (NAQUIM):
   • Maps over 25 lakh sq. km to aid conservation.
6. National Water Policy (2012):
   • Advocates rainwater harvesting and resource augmentation.

Sustainable Solutions for Groundwater Management

1. Water-Efficient Agriculture:
   • Promote drip irrigation, zero tillage, and micro-irrigation.
   • Example: Linking PMKSY with Atal Bhujal Yojana for critical areas.
2. Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR):
   • Combine MAR with solar desalination to enhance aquifer quality in saline regions like Kutch, Gujarat.
3. Technology Integration:
   • Use AI and IoT sensors for real-time aquifer monitoring and predictive modeling.
   • Example: Maharashtra can monitor stressed aquifers in Vidarbha using AI.
4. Rainwater Harvesting:
   • Expand rainwater harvesting projects linked with MGNREGA for community participation.
5. Crop Diversification:
   • Shift from paddy and sugarcane to millets, pulses, and oilseeds to reduce water stress.
6. Electricity Subsidy Reform:
   • Example: Gujarat’s Jyotigram Yojana separates agricultural and consumer electricity feeders, ensuring regulated water usage.
7. Urban Water Recycling:
   • Promote wastewater reuse for industrial cooling and irrigation. Example: Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board plans to recycle 1 crore MLD of sewage.
8. Community Awareness:
   • Link Jal Shakti Abhiyan with NGOs and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for grassroots education.

Lessons from Global Best Practices

1. California (USA): The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) enforces local aquifer plans and real-time monitoring.
2. Israel: Precision irrigation using drip technology ensures efficient water usage and higher yields.
3. Australia: Water markets facilitate trading within sustainable limits, offering India a model for water-scarce regions like Rajasthan.

Conclusion

India’s groundwater crisis poses a significant challenge due to overexploitation, contamination, and erratic climatic patterns. While initiatives like the Atal Bhujal Yojana and Jal Shakti Abhiyan demonstrate progress, addressing the crisis requires a multi-pronged approach combining policy reforms, technological interventions, and community participation. Sustainable practices such as water-efficient agriculture, crop diversification, and rainwater harvesting can ensure groundwater security for future generations.