In 2024, India's Annual Groundwater Recharge Increases by 15 Billion Cubic Metres

New Delhi, Jan 6 (NationPress) India’s total annual groundwater recharge has seen a remarkable rise of 15 billion cubic metres (BCM) in 2024, with extraction decreasing by 3 BCM in comparison to the 2017 assessment, marking a significant milestone for the nation’s sustainable development objectives, according to a report published by the Ministry of Jal Shakti on Monday.

The surge in recharge is primarily attributed to the enhancement of water bodies, tanks, and conservation structures, reflecting positive changes in groundwater conditions across 128 units when compared to 2023.

The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), in partnership with state Groundwater Departments, consistently publishes annual reports regarding groundwater resources.

The National Compilation on Dynamic Ground Water Resources of India, 2024, estimates the total annual groundwater recharge at 446.90 billion cubic metres (BCM), with an extractable resource of 406.19 BCM and an annual extraction figure of 245.64 BCM.

In 2024, there have been promising developments in various critical areas, with notable increases in recharge from tanks, ponds, and WCSs (water control systems), which have consistently risen over the last five assessments. This year, it has grown by 0.39 BCM compared to 2023.

When looking at 2017, there has been an increase of 11.36 BCM in recharge from tanks, ponds, and WCS (from 13.98 BCM in 2017 to 25.34 BCM in 2024).

The proportion of Assessment Units classified under the Safe Category has risen from 62.6 percent in 2017 to 73.4 percent in 2024. Conversely, the percentage of Over Exploited Assessment units has decreased from 17.24 percent in 2017 to 11.13 percent in 2024.

The report also highlights enhancements in groundwater quality, with 81 percent of groundwater samples deemed suitable for irrigation. Impressively, 100 percent of groundwater samples from the northeastern states were rated as 'excellent' for irrigation, indicating favorable agricultural conditions in the region.

It is essential to maintain groundwater quality alongside its recharge for effective water management. Key contaminants such as arsenic, fluorides, chlorides, uranium, and nitrates present significant health threats, whether through direct toxicity or extended exposure. Furthermore, elevated Electrical Conductivity (EC) may indicate pollution from agricultural runoff, industrial waste, or saline intrusion, while iron contamination can lead to gastrointestinal issues, underscoring the necessity of diligent water quality monitoring.

The Annual Groundwater Quality Report for 2024 provides a thorough analysis of groundwater quality across India, utilizing data from over 15,200 monitoring locations and 4,982 trend stations. The report emphasizes the importance of not only safeguarding groundwater but also ensuring its quality for sustainable, long-term water management.

These encouraging results stem from collaborative efforts between the state and central governments. The Centre also extends additional financial support to states through the 15th Finance Commission grants for rainwater harvesting and other water conservation initiatives, as stated in the official report.

The government’s commitment to water preservation and securing its availability for future generations includes various initiatives such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), which emphasizes water conservation and the establishment of water harvesting structures, thereby enhancing rural water security. The Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA), initiated in 2019, is currently in its 5th phase ('Catch the Rain' 2024), focusing on rainwater harvesting and water conservation across both rural and urban areas through the convergence of various schemes.

Additionally, the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 supports rainwater harvesting via stormwater drains and promotes groundwater recharge through Aquifer Management Plans.

Moreover, the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs has established guidelines for states to implement measures suited to local contexts, including the Unified Building Bye Laws (UBBL) of Delhi, 2016, Model Building Bye Laws (MBBL), 2016, and Urban and Regional Development Plan Formulation and Implementation (URDPFI) Guidelines, 2014, all emphasizing the necessity of rainwater harvesting and water conservation strategies.

Other programs targeting groundwater include the Atal Bhujal Yojana (2020), which addresses water-stressed Gram Panchayats in 80 districts across 7 states, focusing on groundwater management, and the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY), which aims to broaden irrigation coverage and enhance water use efficiency alongside its Watershed Development Component aimed at rainwater harvesting.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Jal Shakti established the Bureau of Water Use Efficiency (BWUE) under the National Water Mission in October 2022 to facilitate improvements in water use efficiency across various sectors, including irrigation, drinking water supply, power generation, and industries.

The Mission Amrit Sarovar, which aims to create or rejuvenate 75 Amrit Sarovars in each district for water harvesting and conservation, along with the National Aquifer Mapping (NAQUIM) completed by the CGWB for over 25 lakh square km, significantly support groundwater recharge and conservation strategies.