A study titled “Detection and Socio-Economic Attribution of Groundwater Depletion in India” highlights the significant impact of urbanization and industrialization on groundwater depletion in five Indian states.
Key Findings
- Affected States
- Punjab and Haryana: Most affected, with 64.6 billion cubic meters of groundwater lost over two decades.
- Uttar Pradesh: Groundwater fell by 4% due to rising industrial and domestic demand.
- West Bengal: Minimal irrigation growth but 24% rise in other uses led to a 3% groundwater drop.
- Chhattisgarh: Increased use across sectors caused declining groundwater levels.
- Kerala: Despite high rainfall, groundwater declined by 17% due to reduced irrigation and rising other uses.
- Primary Cause
- Urbanization & Industrialization: Rapid urban growth (10% between 2001-2011) and industrialization, particularly in areas like Faridabad and Gurgaon, led to sharp declines in groundwater.
Major Causes of Groundwater Depletion
- Over-Reliance on Groundwater: Irrigation accounts for 80% of India’s water usage, increasing groundwater extraction.
- Poor Water Management: Inefficient infrastructure and lack of proper rainwater harvesting contribute to depletion.
- Decline in Traditional Conservation Methods: Reduced use of practices like rainwater harvesting, step wells, and check dams.
- Climate Change: Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and deforestation impact groundwater recharge.
Impacts of Groundwater Depletion
- Reduced Crop Yields: Limited irrigation impacts crop productivity and food security.
- Urban Water Scarcity: Increased dependence on groundwater for urban supply leads to water shortages.
- Public Health Risks: Declining water quality due to overuse and contamination increases waterborne diseases.
- Ecosystem Loss: Lowered water tables harm wetlands, forests, and aquatic ecosystems.
- Increased Drought Risks: Groundwater depletion reduces resilience to frequent droughts caused by climate change.
Challenges in Groundwater Management
- Overexploitation: The Green Revolution’s demand for groundwater has led to widespread borewell use, with 17% of blocks being overexploited.
- Climate-Induced Challenges: Erratic rainfall and rising pollution exacerbate water scarcity.
- Weak Regulatory Framework: Limited regulation (covers only 14% of overexploited blocks) allows unchecked extraction.
- Community & Institutional Weaknesses: Inactive informal groundwater committees and weak local enforcement contribute to depletion.
- Subsidies and Usage: Subsidized power for water pumping promotes excessive groundwater extraction.
Strategies for Sustainable Groundwater Management
- Address Demand and Supply
- Supply Side: Implement watershed management and aquifer recharge.
- Demand Side: Promote water-efficient irrigation (e.g., drip systems) and less water-intensive crops.
- Community Participation: Empower local communities and institutions for better management (e.g., Participatory Groundwater Management).
- Regulatory Enhancements: Enforce regulations before blocks are overexploited and ensure long-term viability of institutions like Water User Associations (WUAs).
- Cross-Sectoral Reform:
- Revise power subsidies and incentivize climate-smart agriculture.
- Align energy policies with water conservation objectives to reduce overexploitation.
This study underscores the need for urgent intervention in groundwater management, focusing on sustainable practices, regulatory frameworks, and community involvement to mitigate depletion risks and ensure long-term water security.
