Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

Groundwater depletion has emerged as a critical environmental and socio-economic challenge in India, threatening water security, agricultural sustainability, and overall economic development.

• The total estimated groundwater depletion in India is in the range of 122–199 billion meter cubes.

Body

Factors Contributing to Groundwater Depletion:

• Over-extraction for Irrigation: Agriculture accounts for about 80-90% of India's freshwater use, with groundwater supplying 60% of irrigation needs.
  • In Punjab, the water table has been declining at a rate of 0.7-1.2 meters per year due to intensive rice-wheat cultivation.
  • The Central Ground Water Board reports that 1,186 out of 6,881 assessed units in India are over-exploited, primarily due to agricultural use.
• Population Growth and Urbanization: Increasing water demand for domestic and industrial use in rapidly growing urban areas.
  • In Delhi, groundwater levels have dropped by 24 meters in the 2011-2020 due to population growth and urbanization.
  • India's urban population is projected to reach 600 million by 2036, further straining groundwater resources.
• Inefficient Water Use and Distribution: High water losses due to leakages, inefficient irrigation methods, and outdated infrastructure.
  • The city of Mumbai loses about 30-35% of its water supply due to leakages and theft.
• Climate Change: Altered precipitation patterns and increased evaporation rates affect groundwater recharge.
  • The 2018 Kerala floods, followed by severe droughts, highlight the impact of climate change on water resources.
  • The Indian Meteorological Department reports a 6% decline in mean annual rainfall since the 1950s.
• Lack of Regulation and Enforcement: Weak groundwater laws and inadequate monitoring of extraction rates.
  • Despite the implementation of the Model Bill for groundwater regulation in several states, enforcement remains a challenge.
  • As of 2021, only 19 states/UTs have enacted legislation for the management of ground water and among them, the legislation was only partially implemented in four states.

Sustainable Water Management Practices

• Improved Agricultural Practices: Promote water-efficient crops and irrigation methods.
  • The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) in Tamil Nadu has reduced water use by 40% while increasing yields.
• Rainwater Harvesting and Artificial Recharge: Implement large-scale rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge projects.
  • The "Jal Shakti Abhiyan" campaign aims to create rainwater harvesting structures in 256 water-stressed districts, a significant step.
• Demand Management and Water Conservation: Promote water-saving technologies and practices in urban and rural areas.
  • The city of Bengaluru has made rainwater harvesting mandatory for all buildings with a roof area of 2,400 sq ft or more, which can be replicated in more cities.
• Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) Adopt a holistic approach to water management, considering surface and groundwater resources.
  • The principles of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) outlined in the National Water Policy 2012 need to be implemented more effectively.
• Strengthening Regulatory Framework: Enhance groundwater legislation and enforcement mechanisms.
  • The proposed National Water Framework Bill to establish a uniform national legal framework for water management, should be expedited.

Conclusion

Addressing groundwater depletion in India requires a multi-faceted approach combining improved agricultural practices, efficient water use, artificial recharge, demand management, and strengthened regulations. By implementing these sustainable water management practices, India can work towards ensuring water security for its growing population and economy while preserving this critical natural resource for future generations.