GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT

NEWS: India follows a multi-pronged approach to groundwater management by combining robust monitoring systems, regulatory mechanisms, and community-based programmes such as the Atal Bhujal Yojana and Jal Shakti Abhiyan, aimed at ensuring long-term water security and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

SIGNIFICANCE OF GROUND WATER MANAGEMENT

• Maintains water levels in many rivers and streams, and it strongly influences the habitats of wetlands for plants and animals
• It comprises nearly 99% of Earth’s liquid freshwater and offers substantial social, economic, and environmental benefits, including climate resilience.
• Primary foundation of agricultural activity and drinking water supply, meeting nearly 62% of irrigation needs, 85% of rural consumption, and 50% of urban demand

Key priorities 

• Maintaining a dynamic water cycle to support natural recharge
• Balancing ecological and human needs to ensure environmental protection
• Preserving reserve supplies to safeguard against drought
• Aligning use with quality requirements so that groundwater quality matches its purpose.

Key pillars

• Extraction/Usage – Pumping for domestic, irrigation and industrial purposes
• Problems/Usage – Decline in groundwater levels, contamination/poor ground water quality
• Reduction in ground water withdrawal & Supply side: Artificial recharge/water conservation

Government initiatives

• Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Focuses on awareness, rainwater harvesting, afforestation, strengthening the message that every drop counts
• Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB): To improve groundwater recharge through measures such as rainwater harvesting, aquifer recharge, borewell recharge, and recharge shafts.
• National Aquifer Mapping and Management Programme (NAQUIM): To support effective groundwater management in the country.
• NAQUIM 2.0 -Provides high-granularity data density on groundwater levels and quality and delivering issue-based scientific inputs up to the Panchayat level.
• Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal): Focuses on community-led sustainable groundwater management.