Q13. Examine the factors responsible for depleting groundwater in India. What are the steps taken by the government to mitigate such depletion of groundwater?
Possible Introductions
Definitional framing:
Groundwater refers to water stored in underground aquifers, which meets approx. 62% of India’s irrigation needs, 85% of rural drinking water, and nearly half of urban water demand.
Contextual framing (India):
According to the CGWB’s Dynamic Groundwater Resource Assessment Report 2024, 11% of the 6700+ assessment units are over-exploiting groundwater. India is also the world’s largest extractor, withdrawing ~25% of global groundwater.
Current affairs framing:
NITI Aayog’s Composite Water Management Index warned that 21 major cities could face groundwater crisis, while NASA’s GRACE satellites mapped alarming depletion in north-western India.
Directive Analysis
“Examine” → requires identification, explanation, and evaluation of factors for depletion and steps taken.
Body of the Answer
1. Factors Responsible for Groundwater Depletion
A. Agricultural Over-Extraction
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- Agriculture consumes over 60% of total extraction, primarily for irrigation.
- Water-intensive crops like rice and sugarcane in semi-arid/arid regions worsen depletion.
- Subsidised electricity and high MSPs incentivise over-pumping.
- Inefficient flood irrigation wastes significant water.
B. Rapid Urbanisation and Industrialisation
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- Growing urban/industrial water demand burdens aquifers.
- Construction and paved surfaces reduce recharge.
- Industrial effluents and sewage pollute groundwater.
C. Climatic and Natural Factors
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- Erratic rainfall due to climate change undermines recharge.
- Increased evapotranspiration limits water availability.
- Encroachment on water bodies, wetlands, and deforestation reduces recharge.
- Hard rock aquifers in Peninsular India restrict recharge capacity.
D. Poor Governance and Management
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- Weak regulation allows unchecked extraction.
- Outdated laws link groundwater rights to land ownership.
- Fragmented water authority as water is a state subject.
2. Steps Taken by the Government
A. Central Initiatives
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- Jal Shakti Abhiyan (2019–ongoing): Focus on rainwater harvesting and “Catch the Rain” campaign (2024).
- Atal Bhujal Yojana (ATAL JAL, 2020): World Bank-supported scheme for community-led groundwater management.
- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): Promotes drip/sprinkler irrigation for efficiency.
- National Aquifer Mapping (NAQUIM): ~25 lakh sq. km mapped for informed recharge interventions.
- Master Plan for Artificial Recharge (2020): Proposes 1.42 crore recharge structures.
- Groundwater Regulation Guidelines (2020): Regulate extraction by industries and advise on subsidy reforms.
- Mission Amrit Sarovar (2022): Rejuvenation of 75 water bodies per district.
B. State-Level Initiatives
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- Model groundwater legislations adopted in states.
- Mandatory rainwater harvesting (MBBL 2016).
- Community programmes like Rajasthan’s Mukhyamantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan and Maharashtra’s Jalyukt Shibar.
3. Evidence of Impact
CGWB’s 2024 assessment shows positive trends: annual groundwater recharge increased by 15 BCM and extraction declined by 3 BCM compared to 2017.
Possible Conclusions
Future-oriented:
Sustainable groundwater management is key for India’s water security, food security, and climate resilience.
Policy-oriented:
Long-term reforms must include strict regulation, crop diversification, and incentives for efficient irrigation.
Philosophical:
Mahatma Gandhi said, “Nature provides enough to satisfy every man’s need, but not every man’s greed.” Groundwater crisis highlights this imbalance.
Current affairs framing:
Dynamic Groundwater Resource Assessment 2024 highlights India’s progress in recharge and reduced extraction, proving government efforts effective but needing sustained push.
