Q. Examine the factors responsible for depleting groundwater in India. What are the steps taken by the government to mitigate such depletion of groundwater?
Introduction:
Groundwater—meeting ~60% of irrigation and ~85% of drinking water needs—faces rapid depletion in India due to overuse and weak regulation.
Factors Responsible for Groundwater Depletion
1. Over-extraction for Agriculture
- Water-intensive crops (paddy, sugarcane) in unsuitable regions (Punjab, Haryana)
- Free/cheap electricity → excessive pumping
2. Inefficient Irrigation Practices
- Flood irrigation → low water-use efficiency
- Limited adoption of micro-irrigation
3. Urbanisation & Industrial Demand
- Rapid city growth → borewell dependence
- Industrial overuse without recharge
4. Declining Recharge
- Concretisation reduces infiltration
- Wetland loss, encroachment of water bodies
5. Climate Variability
- Erratic monsoons, droughts
- Reduced natural recharge cycles
6. Policy & Institutional Gaps
- Weak regulation of groundwater (open-access resource)
- Poor data, monitoring
Impacts
- Falling water table (critical blocks rising)
- Water quality issues (fluoride, arsenic)
- Agricultural distress, food security risks
Government Steps to Mitigate Groundwater Depletion
1. Regulatory & Institutional Measures
- Aquifer mapping (NAQUIM) by Central Ground Water Board
- Groundwater guidelines, NOC for extraction
2. Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY)
- Community-led groundwater management
- Focus on water-stressed states
3. Jal Shakti Abhiyan
- Water conservation, rainwater harvesting
- “Catch the rain” campaign
4. Promotion of Micro-Irrigation
- PMKSY (Per Drop More Crop)
- Drip & sprinkler subsidies
5. Crop Diversification
- Shift from paddy to millets, pulses
- MSP support for less water-intensive crops
6. Recharge & Conservation Structures
- Check dams, percolation tanks
- Revival of traditional water bodies
7. Urban Measures
- Mandatory rainwater harvesting in cities
- Wastewater reuse policies
8. Policy Framework
- Model Groundwater Bill (community-based approach)
- Role of NITI Aayog in water management reforms
Challenges
- Implementation gaps at state/local level
- Behavioural resistance (farmers’ crop choices)
- Coordination issues across agencies
Way Forward
- Shift to demand-side management
- Water pricing reforms (rational electricity pricing)
- Strengthen local institutions (Panchayats, Water User Associations)
- Use technology (GIS, IoT-based monitoring)
Conclusion:
Sustainable groundwater management requires a shift from exploitation to conservation through integrated policy, community participation, and efficient water use practices.