Groundwater, a vital natural resource, plays an essential role in sustaining life, agriculture, and industries in India. It’s the primary source of drinking water for millions and the backbone of agricultural irrigation. However, over the past few decades, the country's groundwater levels have been rapidly declining. This blog takes a closer look at the issue of groundwater depletion in India, examining its causes, impacts, and potential solutions to this crisis.
Groundwater is the water found beneath the Earth’s surface in the spaces between soil, rock, and sediment. It is stored in aquifers—natural reservoirs that hold vast amounts of water. Unlike surface water, which comes from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, groundwater is less affected by climate variability and can provide a more reliable water source.
In India, groundwater accounts for more than 60% of the country's total water usage. It supports 85% of rural drinking water needs and 70 -80% of irrigation needs in agriculture. This makes groundwater indispensable, especially in drought-prone and semi-arid regions where surface water is scarce.
India is the world's largest consumer of groundwater, withdrawing around 230 billion cubic meters annually for irrigation alone, according to the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB). This excessive usage, combined with inadequate replenishment, is causing groundwater levels to plummet across the country.
The total estimated depletion of groundwater in India is between 122 and 199 billion cubic meters, making it one of the most severe water challenges the country faces today. North India lost nearly 450 cubic km of groundwater in 2 decades.
What makes this issue even more alarming is that the water being extracted is not being replaced fast enough, leading to what is often called "overdrafting." A report by the CGWB of India found that out of the 6,584 assessment units (blocks/mandals/talukas) in India:
This means that nearly 30% of the assessed units are in various stages of distress.
Several factors contribute to the rapid depletion of groundwater in India:
1. Excessive Agricultural Use : Agriculture is by far the largest consumer of groundwater in India. The Green Revolution, which started in the 1960s, introduced high-yield crops that require significant water or irrigation. Over time, this led to the over-extraction of groundwater, especially in the northern states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Currently, about 80-90% of groundwater extraction in India is used for irrigation.
2. Unregulated Water Pumping : In many regions, there are no strict regulations or monitoring of groundwater use. The widespread availability of tube wells and electric or diesel pumps has made it easy for farmers and industries to access groundwater, often without considering the long-term consequences.
3. Climate Change and Erratic Rainfall : India is highly dependent on the monsoon for recharging its aquifers. However, in recent years, climate change has caused erratic rainfall patterns, making it difficult for aquifers to naturally replenish. Prolonged droughts further worsen the problem, as people rely even more on groundwater when surface water dries up.
4. Deforestation: Forests play a crucial role in regulating the water cycle. Deforestation reduces the ability of the land to absorb rainfall, leading to increased runoff and decreased groundwater recharge. India has lost a significant portion of its forest cover in recent decades.
5. Urbanization and Industrialization: The rapid growth of cities and industries has increased the demand for water, putting further strain on groundwater resources. According to the World Bank, India's urban population is expected to double by 2050.
6. Inefficient Water Management: Lack of proper water management practices, such as inadequate irrigation systems and water conservation measures, contributes to the wastage of groundwater.
Several regions in India are facing critical levels of groundwater depletion. According to the CGWB, northern states such as Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan are among the most affected, largely due to intensive agricultural activities and irrigation needs.
In Punjab, for instance, the groundwater level is dropping by about 1 to 1.2 meters per year in some districts. Over-reliance on water-intensive crops like paddy, coupled with inefficient irrigation practices, has led to significant depletion of aquifers. Similarly, in Rajasthan, which is predominantly an arid state, excessive extraction for agriculture and drinking water has caused groundwater levels to fall sharply.
Punjab, often called India's breadbasket, is a prime example of the groundwater crisis. The state, which produces about 20% of India's wheat and 12% of its rice, has seen alarming drops in groundwater levels. A study by NASA showed that groundwater in north India, including Punjab, was being depleted at a rate of about 54 cubic kilometers per year.
The reason? Punjab's intensive rice cultivation. Rice is a water-intensive crop not naturally suited to Punjab's semi-arid climate. Yet, due to government policies promoting rice cultivation, Punjab farmers grow rice using groundwater irrigation. This has led to severe overexploitation of aquifers.
In 2019, Chennai, a major city in southern India, faced a severe water crisis. Four of the city's major reservoirs ran dry, forcing residents to rely on water tankers and groundwater. This crisis was partly due to the overexploitation of groundwater resources over the years, combined with a weak monsoon.
The Chennai crisis highlights how groundwater depletion, coupled with climate change, can lead to urban water scarcity, affecting millions of people.
The groundwater depletion in India requires immediate and sustained action. Several solutions can help mitigate the problem and ensure that the country’s groundwater resources are managed sustainably.
4. Regulation and Monitoring : Groundwater extraction needs to be regulated more strictly, especially in regions facing critical depletion. The government should introduce policies that limit the amount of groundwater that can be extracted and promote the use of surface water resources. Accurate monitoring systems should also be set up to track groundwater levels in real-time and ensure compliance.
5. Public Awareness and Education : Raising awareness about the importance of groundwater conservation is crucial. Farmers, industries, and urban residents all need to understand the long-term consequences of over-extraction. Public campaigns, educational programs, and community initiatives can help foster a culture of water conservation.
The Indian government has recognized the severity of the groundwater depletion in India and has initiated several programs:
Groundwater depletion in India is a serious and growing challenge. As the country continues to urbanize and develop, the demand for water will only increase, making it more important than ever to manage groundwater resources sustainably. While the situation is dire, it is not irreversible. With collective efforts from the government, communities, and individuals, India can ensure that its groundwater resources remain a reliable and sustainable source of water for future generations.
By adopting sustainable practices and promoting efficient water use, we can help mitigate the effects of groundwater depletion and safeguard one of the country’s most vital resources.
Nov 12, 2024
TUI Staff
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