Context:

Recently, the Union Minister of Jal Shakti unveiled the Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report for the year 2024. 

More on the news:

• The report is prepared collaboratively by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and various States/UTs and provides critical insights into the status of groundwater resources in the country. 

Key Findings of the 2024 Report:

Increased Groundwater Recharge:

• The total annual groundwater recharge has been assessed at 446.90 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM), marking a significant increase of 15 BCM since the 2017 assessment.
• The annual extractable groundwater resource, after accounting for natural discharge, stands at 406.19 BCM.

Decline in Groundwater Extraction:

• The annual groundwater extraction for all uses has reduced to 245.64 BCM, showing a decline of 3 BCM compared to 2017.
• The average stage of groundwater extraction for the country now stands at 60.47%.
• The proportion of over-exploited units dropped from 17.24% in 2017 to 11.13% in 2024.

Categorization of Assessment Units:

• Out of the total 6,746 assessment units (Blocks/Mandals/Talukas):
• Saline: 127 units (1.8%) are categorized as 'Saline' due to brackish or saline water in phreatic aquifers.
• Over-Exploited: 751 units (11.1%) are categorized as 'Over-Exploited,' showing a significant reduction from 17.24% in 2017.
• Critical: 206 units (3.05%) are categorized as 'Critical.'
• Semi-Critical: 711 units (10.5%) are categorized as 'Semi-Critical.'
• Safe: 4,951 units (73.4%) are categorized as 'Safe,' an improvement from 62.6% in 2017.

Improvement in Groundwater Conditions:

• Groundwater conditions improved in 128 assessment units compared to the 2023 data.
• In 2024, recharge from tanks, ponds, and water conservation structures have increased by 0.39 BCM compared to 2023, and by 11.36 BCM compared to 2017.

Government Initiatives for Groundwater Recharge

National Aquifer Mapping and Management (NAQUIM): CGWB is implementing the NAQUIM programme under the Ground Water Management and Regulation scheme.

• The main objectives are to: Identify and map aquifers; 
• Prepare management plans for effective groundwater use.

Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater - 2020: It has been created with the collaboration of state governments.

• It focuses on enhancing artificial recharge in both rural and urban areas, including water-scarce cities.

Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA): The first phase of JSA, launched in 2019, targeted water-stressed blocks in 256 districts to:

• Harvest monsoon rainfall.
• Create artificial recharge structures.
• Implement watershed management and recharge/reuse systems.
• Promote afforestation and awareness.
• Catch the Rain 2023 focuses on ensuring sustainable groundwater for drinking water supply schemes by strengthening and stabilizing water sources in rural areas.

Atal Bhujal Yojana: It is being implemented in collaboration with state governments in water-stressed regions of Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.

The scheme focuses on demand-side management through scientific methods with a community participation approach.