Daily Current Affairs : 7-January-2025

Recent reports from the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) show significant improvements in groundwater recharge and reduced extraction. These positive changes, observed between 2017 and 2024, highlight the success of various government efforts and the potential of innovative policies.

Improvements in Groundwater Trends (2017–2024)

  • Groundwater Recharge: Recharge has increased by 15 BCM (Billion Cubic Meters).
  • Reduced Extraction: Groundwater extraction has decreased by 3 BCM.
  • Safe Assessment Units: The percentage of safe groundwater units has risen from 62.6% in 2017 to 73.4% in 2024.
  • Over-exploited Units: The proportion of over-exploited units has declined from 17.24% to 11.13%.

These improvements indicate a positive shift towards more sustainable groundwater management, though challenges remain.

Government Initiatives for Groundwater Conservation

Several government schemes have played a crucial role in promoting groundwater conservation and efficient water use:

  • Jal Shakti Abhiyan: A campaign focused on rainwater harvesting and water conservation.
  • Atal Bhujal Yojana (2020): Aimed at improving groundwater management in seven water-stressed states.
  • Mission Amrit Sarovar (2022): Plans to create 75 Amrit Sarovars (water bodies) in each district for better water harvesting.
  • Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY): Focuses on expanding irrigation and improving water-use efficiency.
  • National Aquifer Mapping (NAQUIM): A project that maps 25 lakh sq. km to support better groundwater planning.
  • Master Plan for Artificial Recharge (2020): Proposes creating 42 crore rainwater harvesting structures to capture 185 BCM of rainfall.
  • Watershed Development Component of PMKSY (WDC-PMKSY): Encourages soil conservation and rainwater harvesting.
  • National Water Policy (2012): Advocates for rainwater harvesting and efficient water usage practices.

Challenges Facing Groundwater

Despite these efforts, several challenges continue to threaten groundwater sustainability:

  • Over-extraction: Groundwater is being used faster than it can recharge, particularly for irrigation and domestic use.
  • Pollution: Contamination from substances like arsenic, fluoride, nitrates, and industrial pollutants is damaging both health and agriculture.
  • Declining Water Tables: Unsustainable water usage is causing water levels to drop in both urban and rural areas.
  • Climate Change: Changing rainfall patterns disrupt the recharge cycles, making water scarcer.
  • Urbanization: Rapid city expansion reduces natural recharge zones, leading to faster depletion of groundwater.

Way Ahead for Groundwater Management

To ensure continued improvements in groundwater management, further steps are necessary:

  • Policy Interventions: There is a need to enforce sustainable water usage laws and offer incentives for adopting water conservation practices.
  • Technology Integration: Tools like AI and IoT can help with real-time monitoring and smarter water resource management.
  • Community Engagement: Awareness campaigns and local community involvement in conservation efforts can make a significant difference.
  • Integrated Water Management: A balanced approach that combines surface water, rainwater, and groundwater can reduce over-reliance on groundwater and ensure a more sustainable future.
Important Points
  • Improvements in Groundwater (2017–2024):
    • Groundwater recharge increased by 15 BCM.
    • Groundwater extraction decreased by 3 BCM.
    • Safe groundwater units rose from 62.6% (2017) to 73.4% (2024).
    • Over-exploited groundwater units declined from 17.24% to 11.13%.
  • Key Government Initiatives:
    • Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Focus on rainwater harvesting and conservation.
    • Atal Bhujal Yojana (2020): Groundwater management in seven water-stressed states.
    • Mission Amrit Sarovar (2022): Creation of 75 Amrit Sarovars in each district.
    • PMKSY: Expands irrigation and improves water-use efficiency.
    • National Aquifer Mapping (NAQUIM): Covers 25 lakh sq. km for better planning.
    • Master Plan for Artificial Recharge (2020): Proposes 42 crore rainwater harvesting structures.
    • WDC-PMKSY: Focus on soil conservation and rainwater harvesting.
    • National Water Policy (2012): Promotes rainwater harvesting and efficient water use.
  • Challenges to Groundwater Sustainability:
    • Over-extraction for irrigation and domestic use.
    • Pollution from arsenic, fluoride, nitrates, and industrial contaminants.
    • Declining water tables due to unsustainable practices.
    • Impact of climate change on recharge cycles.
    • Urbanization reducing recharge zones.
  • Future Steps for Groundwater Management:
    • Enforce sustainable water usage laws and incentives.
    • Integrate technology like AI and IoT for real-time monitoring.
    • Engage local communities in conservation efforts.
    • Promote integrated water management to reduce groundwater reliance.
Why In News

Recent reports by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) highlight positive trends in groundwater recharge and reduced extraction, showcasing the potential of collaborative efforts and innovative policies. These improvements demonstrate that, with continued commitment and strategic action, sustainable groundwater management is achievable, benefiting both the environment and communities.

MCQs about Groundwater Conservation in India
  1. What was the increase in groundwater recharge from 2017 to 2024, according to recent reports by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)?
    A. 10 BCM
    B. 15 BCM
    C. 20 BCM
    D. 25 BCM
    Correct Answer: B. 15 BCM
    Explanation: The reports indicate that groundwater recharge increased by 15 BCM from 2017 to 2024, showing a positive trend in water conservation efforts.
  2. Which government initiative focuses on rainwater harvesting and water conservation under the “Catch the Rain” campaign?
    A. Atal Bhujal Yojana
    B. Mission Amrit Sarovar
    C. Jal Shakti Abhiyan
    D. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana
    Correct Answer: C. Jal Shakti Abhiyan
    Explanation: The Jal Shakti Abhiyan aims to promote rainwater harvesting and water conservation under its “Catch the Rain” campaign.
  3. What is the primary goal of the Atal Bhujal Yojana launched in 2020?
    A. To reduce irrigation coverage
    B. To improve groundwater management in water-stressed regions
    C. To increase water extraction
    D. To promote artificial recharge structures
    Correct Answer: B. To improve groundwater management in water-stressed regions
    Explanation: Atal Bhujal Yojana focuses on improving groundwater management, especially in water-stressed regions across seven states.
  4. Which of the following is a major challenge contributing to groundwater depletion?
    A. Increased rainfall
    B. Over-extraction for irrigation and domestic needs
    C. Reduced urbanization
    D. Excessive rainfall in recharge zones
    Correct Answer: B. Over-extraction for irrigation and domestic needs
    Explanation: Over-extraction of groundwater for irrigation and domestic purposes is a significant challenge contributing to its depletion.

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