A drop of water travels through soil, rocks, and sand, transforming into the essential resource we call clean groundwater. This critical resource supports life, powers agricultural productivity, and provides water for millions. In 2024, India witnessed a remarkable increase of 15 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM) in annual groundwater recharge, alongside a 3 BCM reduction in extraction compared to 2017. These achievements highlight the growing importance of understanding groundwater availability, usage, and the challenges that lie ahead.

 

The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), along with State Groundwater Departments, publishes annual reports on the nation’s groundwater. The 'National Compilation on Dynamic Ground Water Resources of India, 2024' presents a detailed state-wise analysis, serving as a foundation for policy-making and resource management. The report reveals that total annual groundwater recharge stands at 446.90 BCM and the extractable resources are estimated at 406.19 BCM, with annual extraction recorded at 245.64 BCM.Groundwater conditions have  improved in 128 units compared to 2023, largely due to tanks, water bodies, and conservation structures.

 

Key Highlights for 2024:

• Recharge Increase: Total groundwater recharge increased by 15 BCM compared to 2017, while extraction declined by 3 BCM.

• Tanks, Ponds, and Water Control Systems (WCS): Recharge from these sources has consistently risen over the past five assessments. In 2024, recharge from these sources grew by 0.39 BCM compared to 2023 and by 11.36 BCM compared to 2017 (rising from 13.98 BCM in 2017 to 25.34 BCM in 2024).

• Improved Safe Zones: Safe assessment units rose from 62.6% in 2017 to 73.4% in 2024, while over-exploited units decreased from 17.24% in 2017 to 11.13% in 2024.

Groundwater Assessment and Conservation Initiatives

India's progress in groundwater recharge and management is the result of joint efforts by state and central governments through various schemes and programs:

1. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS): Focuses on water harvesting and conservation to enhance rural water security.

2. 15th Finance Commission Grants: Provides funding to states for rainwater harvesting and related conservation efforts.

3. Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA): Initiated in 2019 and now in its 5th phase, the campaign promotes water conservation and rainwater harvesting in rural and urban districts.

4. AMRUT 2.0 (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation): Encourages rainwater harvesting through stormwater drains and groundwater recharge via aquifer management plans.

5. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY): Aims to improve irrigation coverage and water efficiency through measures like water body restoration and surface minor irrigation.

6. Bureau of Water Use Efficiency (BWUE): Established in 2022, the bureau promotes efficient water use across sectors like irrigation, drinking water, and industry.

7. Mission Amrit Sarovar (2022): Seeks to create or rejuvenate 75 Amrit Sarovars in every district for water harvesting and storage.

8. Master Plan for Artificial Recharge (2020): Outlines 1.42 crore rainwater harvesting and recharge structures to capture 185 BCM of rainfall.

9. National Water Policy (2012): Advocates rainwater harvesting and water conservation to supplement water availability through direct rainfall use.

These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring sustainable water management and securing resources for future generations.

 

India's collaborative measures and proactive groundwater management have resulted in significant advancements in recharge, quality, and sustainable usage. With a continued focus on innovation and conservation, these efforts pave the way for a secure water future, ensuring clean and accessible resources for generations to come.