Hindu Editorial Analysis : 24-January-2025

The Union Ministry of Jal Shakti recently published the Annual Groundwater Quality Report 2024, developed by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB). The report highlights the current state of India’s groundwater, its usage, challenges, and the importance of sustainable management practices. Here are some of the key findings and concerns raised in the report.

Key Findings of the Report
Positive Indicators
  • 81% of groundwater samples are found suitable for irrigation, indicating that most groundwater can be used for agricultural purposes.
  • 100% of groundwater samples in North-Eastern states are rated excellent for agricultural use, showcasing the region’s groundwater quality.
Contamination Concerns
  • Despite positive trends, contamination by nitrates, fluoride, and arsenic is a growing issue in many regions, presenting health risks to local populations.
  • Seasonal recharge during the monsoon helps improve the quality of groundwater in some areas.
Agricultural Suitability
  • Favorable Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) and Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC) levels make groundwater suitable for irrigation in many areas.
  • However, in some regions, high sodium content can cause soil degradation, which requires targeted intervention.
Challenges to Groundwater Sustainability
Over-Extraction
  • India is the world’s largest consumer of groundwater, using 25% of the global supply.
  • 256 out of 700 districts are classified as critical or overexploited, signaling a serious risk of depletion.
Agricultural Dependency
  • Excessive water usage for crops is a significant factor contributing to groundwater depletion, especially in areas relying on traditional, water-intensive farming.
Projected Water Crisis
  • By 2030, 21 cities in India are predicted to run out of groundwater, highlighting the urgency of addressing the crisis.
Climate Change and Policy Gaps
  • Climate change and erratic rainfall patterns further strain groundwater resources.
  • Inefficiencies in policy enforcement and the lack of stringent regulations hinder effective groundwater management.
Government Initiatives

The Indian government has launched several programs to address groundwater depletion and improve water management:

  • Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABY) focuses on water conservation in water-stressed regions.
  • Rainwater Harvesting is encouraged through state-level programs like rooftop harvesting in Tamil Nadu and large recharge structures in Gujarat.
  • Jal Shakti Abhiyan promotes water conservation in both urban and rural areas.
  • Participatory Groundwater Management (PGWM) encourages local communities and NGOs to work together to conserve groundwater.
Community-Led Success Stories
  • Rajasthan: NGOs like Tarun Bharat Sangh have revived water resources using traditional methods like johads (small check dams).
  • Maharashtra: The Pani Foundation mobilized villages for watershed management, significantly improving groundwater levels.
  • Gujarat: The Jyotirgram Yojana separated electricity feeders for agriculture and domestic use, encouraging efficient groundwater use.
Key Recommendations for Groundwater Revival

To ensure long-term groundwater sustainability, the report suggests:

  • Strengthening Regulations: Enforcing stricter laws to prevent over-extraction and ensuring local accountability in policy implementation.
  • Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Promoting water-efficient technologies like micro-irrigation and drip systems.
  • Technology and Innovation: Investing in AI, GIS, and remote sensing to monitor groundwater and predict availability.
  • Public Awareness: Educating communities about the importance of groundwater conservation through various campaigns.
  • Climate-Resilient Water Management: Developing strategies to cope with unpredictable weather patterns and ensuring water availability in drought-prone regions.
Why In News

The Union Ministry of Jal Shakti recently released the Annual Groundwater Quality Report 2024, prepared by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB). This comprehensive report sheds light on the state of India’s groundwater resources, their quality, usage trends, and challenges, while emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable management practices. It also highlights the growing risks posed by over-extraction and contamination, underlining the need for immediate action to ensure the long-term availability of this vital resource.

MCQs about Groundwater Quality in India: Key Insights and Challenges
  1. Which of the following regions in India has 100% of groundwater samples rated as excellent for agriculture?
    A. Northern states
    B. North-Eastern states
    C. Southern states
    D. Western states
    Correct Answer: B. North-Eastern states
    Explanation: The report indicates that all groundwater samples in North-Eastern states were rated as excellent for agricultural use, showcasing the good quality of groundwater in this region.
  2. What is one of the main factors contributing to groundwater depletion in India?
    A. Excessive rainfall
    B. Unsustainable agricultural practices
    C. Lack of groundwater recharge
    D. Overpopulation in urban areas
    Correct Answer: B. Unsustainable agricultural practices
    Explanation: The report highlights that unsustainable agricultural practices, especially the use of water-intensive crops, contribute significantly to the depletion of groundwater resources.
  3. Which government initiative focuses on water conservation in water-stressed regions through community-led management?
    A. Atal Bhujal Yojana
    B. Jal Shakti Abhiyan
    C. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana
    D. Mission Amrit Sarovar
    Correct Answer: A. Atal Bhujal Yojana
    Explanation: The Atal Bhujal Yojana focuses on water-stressed Gram Panchayats in various districts, emphasizing community-led water management to conserve and manage groundwater resources effectively.

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