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.

Understanding Groundwater and Its Importance

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.

The Scale of Groundwater Depletion in India

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:

• 1,034 units are "over-exploited" (extraction exceeds recharge)
• 253 units are in a "critical" state
• 681 units are in a "semi-critical" state

This means that nearly 30% of the assessed units are in various stages of distress.

Causes of Groundwater Depletion in India

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.

Regions Worst Affected by Groundwater Depletion in India

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.

The Impact of Groundwater Depletion in India

• Water Scarcity : The most immediate impact of groundwater depletion in India or anywhere is water scarcity. Several regions are experiencing dwindling water supplies, affecting both rural and urban areas. According to a report by NITI Aayog, 21 major cities, including Delhi and Bengaluru, are projected to run out of groundwater by 2030.

• Agricultural Crisis : As groundwater levels drop, the cost of extracting water increases, making irrigation more expensive for farmers. In regions where farming is heavily reliant on groundwater, this can lead to crop failure, reduced yields, and financial stress. This threatens the livelihoods of millions of farmers and could lead to a larger food security crisis if the trend continues.

• Environmental Degradation : The excessive extraction of groundwater can lead to the depletion of nearby rivers, lakes, and wetlands, as they are often hydraulically connected to aquifers. Additionally, the lowering of water tables can cause land subsidence (the sinking of the ground), which can damage infrastructure and reduce the land's ability to absorb water, worsening floods and droughts.

• Health Impacts : Groundwater depletion often forces people to drill deeper to access water. However, deeper groundwater sources can contain higher levels of contaminants like fluoride, arsenic, and heavy metals, which pose serious health risks. In regions such as West Bengal and Bihar, groundwater contamination is already a major public health issue.

• Salination of Groundwater: In coastal areas, over-extraction of freshwater can lead to saltwater intrusion into groundwater aquifers. This makes the water unsuitable for drinking, agriculture, and industrial use.

Case Studies 

Punjab: The Breadbasket Running Dry

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.

Chennai: A City Running Out of Water

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.

Solutions to Groundwater Depletion in India

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.

1. Promote Water-Efficient Agricultural Practices : The agricultural sector needs to shift toward more sustainable water use practices. Techniques such as crop diversification. drip irrigation, sprinkler systems, and micro-irrigation can significantly reduce water usage while maintaining crop yields. Encouraging farmers to switch to less water-intensive crops in water-scarce regions can also make a big difference.

2. Rainwater Harvesting : Rainwater harvesting, both in rural and urban areas, can help recharge groundwater levels. By capturing and storing rainwater during the monsoon, communities can reduce their dependence on groundwater during dry seasons. Several states, such as Tamil Nadu, have already made rainwater harvesting mandatory in buildings, showing positive results.

3. Groundwater Recharge Projects:  Artificial groundwater recharge projects can be implemented to increase the infiltration of rainwater into aquifers. These projects often involve the construction of check dams, percolation tanks, and recharge wells to direct water into the ground, helping to restore depleted aquifers. Additionally, implement integrated water resource management plans can help ensure the sustainable use of all water resources, including groundwater.

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.

Government Initiatives To Control Groundwater Depletion In India

The Indian government has recognized the severity of the groundwater depletion in India and has initiated several programs:

1. Atal Bhujal Yojana: This scheme aims to improve groundwater management through community participation in seven states.
2. Jal Shakti Abhiyan: A campaign for water conservation and water security, focusing on water-stressed districts.
3. National Water Mission: Part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change, this mission aims to conserve water, minimize wastage, and ensure more equitable distribution.
4. Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater: This plan identifies potential sites for artificial recharge projects across India.

Conclusion

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.

References

https://www.indiatoday.in/diu/story/depleting-groundwater-india-agriculture-farmers-water-intensive-crops-2506372-2024-02-23

https://www.outlookbusiness.com/planet/sustainability/groundwater-depletion-in-north-india-severe-threat-to-food-security-study

https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/north-india-lost-nearly-450-cubic-km-of-groundwater-in-2-decades-study-124070700117_1.html

https://www.indiatoday.in/diu/story/depleting-groundwater-india-agriculture-farmers-water-intensive-crops-2506372-2024-02-23