India has recorded notable progress in groundwater management and conservation. In 2024, total annual groundwater recharge increased by 15 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM), while annual extraction reduced by 3 BCM compared to the 2017 assessment. This development highlights the ongoing efforts to ensure the sustainable use of this essential resource.
Groundwater Resources in India
The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) releases annual reports on groundwater status in collaboration with State Groundwater Departments. The ‘National Compilation on Dynamic Ground Water Resources of India, 2024,’ provides state-wise data on groundwater recharge and extraction. The report assesses a total annual groundwater recharge of 446.90 BCM, with 406.19 BCM available as extractable resources and 245.64 BCM extracted annually.
Improvements in groundwater recharge were largely attributed to conservation structures such as water bodies and tanks. In 2024, groundwater conditions improved in 128 units compared to the previous year.
Quality of Groundwater
Groundwater quality remains a vital aspect of water sustainability. The 2024 Annual Groundwater Quality Report identifies key pollutants including arsenic, fluoride, and nitrate, which pose health risks through direct exposure or long-term consumption. Elevated levels of electrical conductivity and iron were linked to issues such as industrial discharge and agricultural runoff.
The report analyzes data from over 15,200 monitoring locations and nearly 5,000 trend stations, noting that 81% of groundwater samples were suitable for irrigation. All samples from northeastern states were classified as excellent, demonstrating favorable agricultural conditions in the region.
Government Measures for Groundwater Management
India’s progress in groundwater management is a result of coordinated initiatives by the central and state governments. Programs under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) have focused on creating water conservation structures to secure rural water supplies. The Jal Shakti Abhiyan, launched in 2019, continues to emphasize rainwater harvesting under its “Catch the Rain” initiative.
Atal Bhujal Yojana, implemented in water-stressed areas across seven states, promotes groundwater management at the community level. The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana aims to improve water use efficiency for irrigation, while Mission Amrit Sarovar targets the rejuvenation of water bodies nationwide.
The National Aquifer Mapping Program has completed assessments across 25 lakh square kilometers, aiding conservation efforts. Complementing this is the Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater, which envisions the creation of over one crore rainwater harvesting structures to manage rainfall more effectively.
Toward Sustainable Groundwater Practices
India’s measures reflect an ongoing commitment to safeguarding groundwater resources. Policies promoting artificial recharge, improved monitoring, and efficient water use are pivotal for long-term sustainability. These efforts offer hope for maintaining water availability and quality for future generations.