Preserving Liquid Gold: Insights from the Dynamic Ground Water Resources Assessment Report-2023
Introduction: Union Jal Shakti Minister, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, unveiled the 10th 'Dynamic Ground Water Resources Assessment Report-2023,' a collaborative effort by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and States/UTs. This report sheds light on the evolving landscape of groundwater resources in India.
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| Union Jal Shakti Minister released ‘Dynamic Ground Water Resources Assessment Report-2023’ |
Key Findings:
States with Highest Growth: West Bengal, Assam, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Bihar witnessed substantial growth in groundwater resources.
Over-exploited States: Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and parts of western Uttar Pradesh face the challenge of over-exploitation, posing a threat to sustainable water management.
Western Region Stress: Regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat, experiencing limited groundwater recharge due to dry climates, are under increasing stress.
Low Groundwater Availability: Peninsular India, including parts of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, grapples with low groundwater availability.
Quantitative Insights:
Groundwater Recharge: The total annual groundwater recharge for the country stands at 449.08 billion cubic meters (BCM), reflecting an 11.48 BCM increase from the previous year.
Groundwater Extraction: The annual groundwater extraction for the entire country is 241.34 BCM.
Over-exploited Units: Out of 6553 assessed units, 736 are classified as 'over-exploited,' emphasizing the need for sustainable management.
Positive Shifts: The report highlights improvement in 226 assessment units compared to the 2022 data. The overall groundwater exploitation level is at 59.23%.
Significance of the Report:
Historical Context: The assessment, a decennial endeavor, follows previous reports in 1980, 1995, 2004, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2017, 2020, and 2022, providing a historical perspective on groundwater dynamics.
Detailed Analysis: The report attributes the increased groundwater recharge to factors like canal seepage, return flow of irrigation water, and recharge from water bodies/tanks and water conservation structures.
Conclusion: The 'Dynamic Ground Water Resources Assessment Report-2023' serves as a vital tool for policymakers, highlighting areas of growth, challenges, and the need for sustainable practices. As India grapples with water scarcity concerns, this report emphasizes the importance of informed water resource management to ensure a sustainable and water-secure future.
