Ground Water Recharge Increases in India: Jal Shakti Minister Releases Dynamic Assessment Report for 2023

Ground Water Recharge Increases in India: Jal Shakti Minister Releases Dynamic Assessment Report for 2023

VoM News Desk | December 1, 2023 | 08:21 PM IST | Climate & Environment | Follow on Google News

Ground Water Recharge Increases in India: Jal Shakti Minister Releases Dynamic Assessment Report for 2023

Ground Water Recharge Increases in India: Jal Shakti Minister Releases Dynamic Assessment Report for 2023

Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat released the Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report for 2023, revealing crucial insights into India’s groundwater resources. The report, a collaborative effort between the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and various States/UTs, shows significant changes in groundwater recharge and extraction patterns across the country.

Notable Improvements in Groundwater Recharge and Extraction

According to the 2023 report, India has witnessed an increase in annual groundwater recharge, totaling 449.08 billion cubic meters (BCM). This marks an 11.48 BCM rise from the previous year. Groundwater extraction has also been assessed, standing at 241.34 BCM annually. Notably, 4793 out of 6553 assessment units across the country are classified as ‘Safe’.

The report highlights the progress in groundwater management, with improvements observed in 226 assessment units compared to 2022 data. A decrease in the number of over-exploited units and a reduction in the stage of groundwater extraction levels were also reported. This assessment, an ongoing exercise since 1980, is critical for implementing appropriate water management strategies.

Significant Presence at Report Release Event

The report release event was attended by several key officials, including Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation; Vini Mahajan, Secretary, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation; Subodh Yadav, Joint Secretary; and Sunil Kumar Ambast, Chairman of CGWB.

Methodology and Impact of Assessment

The assessment process includes evaluating annual groundwater recharge, extractable groundwater resource, and groundwater extraction. The stage of groundwater extraction in an assessment unit is determined by the ratio of annual groundwater extraction to annual extractable resource. Based on this, units are categorized as safe, semi-critical, critical, or overexploited. This comprehensive assessment is vital for shaping groundwater policy and ensuring sustainable water resource management in India.

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