India’s groundwater management has become a major issue, since 60% of its irrigated agricultural production is dependent on it. The need for a management strategy that is effective has never been greater. India is one of the world’s largest groundwater consumers. Here is an in-depth look at groundwater management practices in India.
1. Important of Groundwater
1.1 Agricultural Dependence
- Around 70% of India’s agricultural production relies on the groundwater.
- Groundwater irrigation was a major factor in the Green Revolution.
Do not use for domestic purposes
- About 85% of rural homes rely on the groundwater to drink and sanitize.
- In remote locations, groundwater can be the only water source.
1.3 Industrial Usage
- The groundwater resource is used by industries such as textiles, food and chemical processing.
2. The Challenges of Groundwater Management
2.1 Over-extraction
- Water withdrawals have increased due to rapid industrialization and urbanization.
- The depletion of oil reserves in states like Punjab and Haryana is a critical issue.
2.2 Contamination
- Runoff from agriculture contaminated groundwater with pesticides and fertilisers.
- The industrial waste is the main source of contamination by chemicals.
Unsuitable Regulation
- The fragmented legal system makes enforcement challenging.
- Drilling is not regulated in the absence of an integrated groundwater policy.
3. Sustainable Groundwater management practices
3.1 Rainwater Harvesting
- The traditional systems such as ‘Talabs and Stepwells have gained in importance.
- Groundwater recharge can occur with modern roof-mounted rainwater harvesting system.
3.2 Artificial Recharge
- Check dams and percolation ponds are used in programs like the “Jal Sakti abhiyan” to recharge groundwater.
The MAR is a managed aquifer recharge system.
- Pune is one of the cities that uses MAR technologies to increase aquifer capacity.
Diversification Crops – 3.4
- By switching to drought resistant varieties of paddy (such as millets), groundwater pressure can be reduced.
3.5 Legal regulations
- Use can be regulated by implementing policies such as the “National Water Policy” and “Groundwater Act”.
4. How technology can help with groundwater management
GIS and remote sensing
- Remote sensing tools allow mapping of groundwater levels.
- GIS helps in understanding potential recharge zones.
4.2 Artificial Intelligence
- AI models can be used to calculate the groundwater depletion rate based upon various factors.
Data Management
- For data collection, the Central Ground Water Board and Indian Space Research Organization collaborate.
5. Community participation and awareness
5.1 Initiatives Locales
- Water User Groups have been formed by communities in Rajasthan to help manage local aquifers.
Education Programs
- The government and non-governmental organizations are launching campaigns to raise awareness about sustainable water usage.
Empowering women
- The participation of women in the water management sector is growing, which leads to improved community practices.
6. Success Stories
Rajasthan
- The ‘Mahal system’ of the state encourages local community to collectively manage their resources.
- The Department of Water Resources Planning in Narada focuses on the proper use and revitalization of local aquifers.
6.2 Gujarat
- Check dams are used to conserve groundwater through initiatives like the “Sujalam Sufalam” scheme.
7. Future Directions of Groundwater management
Reforms in Policy 7.1
- A combined approach that integrates regulation, community participation, and technology is crucial.
Investment in Research
- Research is needed to develop sustainable technologies.
National Groundwater Mission
- The implementation of a central mission allows for streamlined efforts, and more effective allocation of resources.
Questions and Answers about Groundwater Management in India
Q1 What is underground water management?
A: The sustainable management of groundwater involves the protection and conservation. Groundwater is essential for India’s agricultural, industrial, and drinking water processes.
Q2 Why does groundwater depletion concern India?
A: The depletion of groundwater affects ecosystem health, food security and drinking water. Water scarcity is a major problem in Punjab and Rajasthan.
Q3: What are the benefits of community involvement in groundwater management for water?
A: Engagement in community life promotes accountability, and sustainable practices. Local leadership improves the decision making process regarding resource usage, which leads to better results in water conservation.
Q4: Which are the major legal frameworks in India that regulate groundwater?
A: In order to deal with the issues of contamination and overdraft, the “National Water Policy” and the “Groundwater Management and Regulation Bill” are being introduced. The enforcement of the law and its implementation still need to be improved.
Q5: How important is technology to groundwater management today?
A: The use of technology, including artificial intelligence, GIS and remote sensing to monitor groundwater levels and predict depletion patterns is essential for making informed decisions.
What is the impact of climate change on groundwater resources and how can it be mitigated?
A: The climate change causes altered rainfall patterns, increased evaporation and groundwater contamination. These impacts must be mitigated by developing strategies.
Q7. What strategies have you implemented successfully for groundwater recharge?
A: Groundwater recharge techniques that work include Rajasthan’s tradition, Gujarat’s ‘Sujalam Sufalam’ scheme, and local initiatives in Maharashtra.
Q8. How can people conserve water?
A: Water-efficient appliances can be used, gardens should not be overwatered, and individuals are encouraged to participate in conservation initiatives.
Who in India is responsible for the management of groundwater?
A: Central Ground Water Boards (CGWBs) supervise groundwater management on a national scale, whereas state governments control usage according to local conditions.
Q10: Is it possible to reverse groundwater pollution?
A: Although contamination is difficult to manage, it can be controlled and reduced by pollution prevention technologies, groundwater treatments, and community-wide awareness programs.
You can also read our conclusion.
In order to tackle the challenges of depletion, contamination and other issues related to groundwater management in India, innovative strategies are needed. India’s groundwater can be preserved and kept healthy for future generations by combining policy reforms with community involvement, sustainable practices and technology.
The comprehensive study provides an overview of the challenges and possibilities in groundwater management.
