Examine the factors responsible for depleting ground water in India. What are the steps taken by the government to mitigate such depletion of ground water? (250 Words)

Examine the factors responsible for depleting ground water in India. What are the steps taken by the government to mitigate such depletion of ground water? (250 Words)

Introduction

Groundwater is the backbone of India’s water security, meeting nearly 62% of irrigation needs, 85% of rural drinking water, and 50% of urban water demand. However, India is the world’s largest extractor of groundwater (about 25% of global use), and over-exploitation has led to alarming depletion across many states.

 

Factors Responsible for Depleting Groundwater

1. Agricultural Practices
• Over-extraction for irrigation: Free/subsidized electricity and assured procurement policies encourage water-intensive crops like rice, sugarcane, and wheat in arid states (Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra).
• Flood irrigation instead of efficient methods like drip/sprinkler.
2. Urbanization and Industrialization
• Rapid urban growth has increased demand for drinking water and industrial uses, leading to unsustainable withdrawals.
• Unregulated borewells in cities like Chennai and Bengaluru worsen depletion.
3. Climate Change and Rainfall Variability
• Decline in monsoon reliability reduces natural recharge.
• Rising temperatures increase evapotranspiration.
4. Population Pressure
• Increasing per capita demand for drinking, sanitation, and food production intensifies extraction.
5. Poor Regulatory Mechanisms
• Groundwater is governed by “Eminent Domain of Landowners,” allowing unrestricted extraction.
• Weak enforcement of groundwater laws at state level.
6. Decline of Traditional Water Systems
• Neglect of tanks, ponds, and stepwells that traditionally recharged aquifers.

 

Government Steps to Mitigate Depletion

1. Legislative and Regulatory Measures
• Model Groundwater (Sustainable Management) Bill, 2017 for community-based regulation.
• Groundwater Extraction Guidelines (2020) introducing NOC and water conservation fees for industries.
2. Flagship Schemes
• Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABY, 2019): World Bank-funded, focuses on community participation in 7 states with high groundwater stress.
• Jal Shakti Abhiyan (2019 onwards): Emphasizes rainwater harvesting, recharge structures, afforestation.
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): Promotes micro-irrigation (drip/sprinkler).
3. Awareness and Technology
• Aquifer Mapping under National Aquifer Management Programme to guide local recharge plans.
• Digital groundwater monitoring systems by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB).
4. Crop Diversification Incentives
• Policies to promote less water-intensive crops (millets, pulses, oilseeds).
• Haryana and Punjab’s schemes encouraging farmers to shift from paddy to maize/millets.
5. Other Initiatives
• Catch the Rain Campaign for water harvesting.
• Linking Mahatma Gandhi NREGS with water conservation works.

 

Conclusion

Groundwater depletion in India is a developmental and ecological crisis, threatening food, water, and energy security. While government initiatives like ABY, Jal Shakti Abhiyan, and aquifer mapping are promising, the real solution lies in changing demand-side behavior—crop diversification, water-use efficiency, community-led management, and strict regulation. Only a people-participatory and integrated water resource management approach can secure India’s groundwater future.

 Note: This model Answer for Reference Purpose only