This article is based on the Editorial "Water woes: On the state of India’s groundwater" that appeared in The Hindu.
An annual assessment by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) on the state of groundwater and its quality has raised several concerns. The most pressing issue is the increase in the number of districts with excessive nitrate levels in groundwater.
The number of districts with excessive nitrate levels has risen from 359 in 2017 to 440 in 2023. This means over half of India's 779 districts have nitrate levels exceeding the safe limit of 45 mg/L.
After analysing 15,239 groundwater samples around 19.8% were found to have nitrate levels above safe limits, which has not significantly changed since 2017 (21.6%).
Regions in central and southern India are witnessing a rise in nitrate contamination, which is a concerning development.
Rajasthan, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu reported the highest nitrate contamination levels, with 49%, 48%, and 37% of samples exceeding the permissible nitrate limit.
Two major concerns are raised with excessive nitrate content:
Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat face perennial nitrate contamination due to geological factors. These levels have remained fairly constant since 2017.
Several studies have shown that intensive agriculture practices are linked to higher nitrate levels in groundwater, contributing significantly to the contamination.
Apart from nitrates, fluoride and uranium are significant chemical contaminants. Fluoride concentrations exceeding permissible limits are a major concern in Rajasthan, Haryana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
States with over-exploited groundwater blocks—where extraction exceeds replenishment—are more likely to have excessive chemical contaminants.
The degree of groundwater extraction in India is 60.4%, which has remained relatively constant since 2009. About 73% of the blocks analyzed are in the 'safe' zone. This means they are sufficiently replenished to compensate for water extraction.
While the CGWB has established a robust system to monitor groundwater health, there is a lack of action at the state level. Greater awareness programs and leadership involvement are essential to address the crisis effectively.
Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), a subordinate office of the Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India, is the National Apex Agency entrusted with the responsibilities of providing scientific inputs for management, exploration, monitoring, assessment, augmentation and regulation of groundwater resources of the country. Central Ground Water Board was established in 1970 by renaming the Exploratory Tube Wells Organization under the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India. It was merged with the Ground Water Wing of the Geological Survey of India during 1972. Central Ground Water Board has its headquarters at BHUJAL BHAWAN. Major activities being taken up by Central Ground Water Board include macro/micro-level ground water management studies, exploratory drilling programme, monitoring of ground water levels. |
In 2024, total annual groundwater recharge increased by 15 BCM (Billion Cubic Meters). And extraction decreased by 3 BCM. These are in comparison to 2017 assessment. This is a significant progress in groundwater management. And it demonstartes a positive shift in water availability and usage.
The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) in collaboration with State Groundwater Departments, provides annual reports on groundwater resources. The 'National Compilation on Dynamic Ground Water Resources of India, 2024' report is a vital tool for shaping water management policies. It provides a comprehensive, state-wise analysis that helps policymakers and stakeholders devise strategies for sustainable groundwater management.
Groundwater quality is essential for public health and agricultural productivity. Key contaminants such as Arsenic, Fluoride, Chloride, Uranium, and Nitrate are prevalent in many regions and can pose long-term health risks. Elevated Electrical Conductivity (EC) is another indicator of potential contamination from agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, or saline intrusion.
The Annual Groundwater Quality Report for 2024 analyzed over 15,200 groundwater samples from monitoring locations and 4,982 trend stations across the country. The findings underscore the importance of maintaining both the quantity and quality of groundwater for long-term water security.
The positive results are driven by various government initiatives:
The National Water Policy (2012) advocates rainwater harvesting and water conservation. The National Water Awards, launched in 2018, recognize contributions to water management and raise public awareness about water conservation practices.
India's coordinated efforts and initiatives have led to substantial improvements in groundwater recharge, quality and management. With continued innovation and commitment these efforts ensure a sustainable, water-secure future for generations to come.
“We must adopt the mantra of ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recharge, and Recycle’ to secure the nation’s water future”
~Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi
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