The Dynamic Groundwater Resource Assessment Report 2024, recently released by the Union Minister of Jal Shakti, reveals promising trends and persistent challenges in India’s groundwater management. Jointly prepared by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and States/UTs, the report provides a comprehensive overview of groundwater recharge, extraction, and sustainability measures.
Key Highlights of the Groundwater Resource Assessment Report 2024
1. Increased Groundwater Recharge
- Total Annual Recharge: Assessed at 446.90 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM), showing a growth of 15 BCM since 2017.
- Extractable Groundwater: Post natural discharge, the annual usable resource stands at 406.19 BCM.
2. Decline in Groundwater Extraction
- Annual Extraction: Dropped to 245.64 BCM, indicating a reduction of 3 BCM compared to 2017.
- Sustainability Indicator: The average groundwater extraction stage decreased to 60.47%, signifying better water usage practices.
- Over-Exploited Units: Reduced from 17.24% in 2017 to 11.13% in 2024, reflecting significant progress.
3. Groundwater Assessment Categories
Of the 6,746 assessment units (Blocks/Mandals/Talukas) analyzed:
- Safe Units: 4,951 units (73.4%), an improvement from 62.6% in 2017.
- Semi-Critical: 711 units (10.5%).
- Critical: 206 units (3.05%).
- Over-Exploited: 751 units (11.1%).
- Saline: 127 units (1.8%) contain brackish or saline water.
4. Improved Groundwater Conditions
- 128 assessment units reported better groundwater levels compared to 2023.
- Recharge through tanks, ponds, and water conservation structures rose by 0.39 BCM from 2023 and by 11.36 BCM from 2017.
Government Initiatives Driving Groundwater Sustainability
1. National Aquifer Mapping and Management (NAQUIM)
- A CGWB initiative under the Ground Water Management and Regulation Scheme.
- Objectives:
- Map and identify aquifers.
- Develop groundwater management plans for optimal use.
2. Master Plan for Artificial Recharge (2020)
- Collaborated with state governments to boost artificial recharge in urban and rural areas, especially water-scarce regions.
3. Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA)
- Launched in 2019 to target water-stressed blocks in 256 districts.
- Key Goals:
- Harvest monsoon rainfall.
- Create artificial recharge structures.
- Implement watershed management and reuse systems.
- Raise awareness and promote afforestation.
- Catch the Rain Campaign 2023: Focused on strengthening and stabilizing water sources in rural areas for sustainable groundwater use.
4. Atal Bhujal Yojana
- Targets water-stressed regions in Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
- Aims to implement demand-side management through scientific methods with active community participation.
Why Groundwater Management Matters
India’s groundwater is a critical resource for agriculture, industry, and daily life. The Groundwater Resource Assessment Report 2024 demonstrates how effective policies and community engagement can improve groundwater sustainability.
Conclusion
The 2024 report marks significant progress in reducing groundwater extraction and increasing recharge levels. With impactful government initiatives like NAQUIM, Jal Shakti Abhiyan, and the Atal Bhujal Yojana, India is steadily advancing toward sustainable groundwater management. Continued focus on conservation, recharge, and public participation will be essential to safeguarding this vital resource for future generations.
