Groundwater Resources in India are a vital source of water for agriculture, industry, and domestic use. They provide nearly 60% of the country’s irrigation needs and supply water to 85% of rural households. Groundwater is a critical resource that supports India’s vast population, particularly in areas where surface water is scarce. However, the growing demand for water and the effects of climate change are putting immense pressure on these resources, leading to concerns about their sustainability. The impact of climate change on Groundwater Resources in India is becoming increasingly evident, with unpredictable rainfall patterns and rising temperatures affecting the natural replenishment of groundwater
- Groundwater Resources in India are crucial for agriculture, sustaining crops in arid and semi-arid regions.
- These resources supply water to millions of rural households for drinking and daily needs.
- Groundwater is essential for industrial processes, particularly in regions with limited surface water availability.
What are Groundwater Resources?
Groundwater resources are the water found beneath the Earth’s surface in soil pores and rock formations. This water accumulates through the infiltration of rainwater and surface water and is stored in aquifers—underground layers of water-bearing rock. Groundwater is accessed by wells and pumps and is used for drinking, irrigation, and industrial purposes. It serves as a vital resource, particularly in areas where surface water is scarce, supporting both human activities and ecosystems. However, the over-extraction of groundwater and environmental changes threaten its sustainability.
Why is Groundwater a Highly Overused Resource?
Groundwater is highly overused in India due to several factors. The country’s agricultural practices rely heavily on groundwater for irrigation, particularly in regions with erratic rainfall. In states like Punjab and Haryana, the Green Revolution led to a massive increase in groundwater extraction to support high-yield crops like wheat and rice. The easy availability of electric pumps and government subsidies for electricity have further contributed to the over-extraction of groundwater.
Key Reasons for Overuse of Groundwater
- Agricultural dependency: Farmers rely on groundwater for irrigation, especially in regions with inadequate surface water.
- Subsidized electricity: Government policies providing cheap electricity encourage the excessive use of pumps for groundwater extraction.
- Lack of regulation: There is insufficient regulation on groundwater extraction, leading to unsustainable use.
This overuse has led to a significant decline in water tables, particularly in the northwestern and southern parts of the country. The situation is critical in many areas, where groundwater levels have dropped to alarming depths, making it increasingly difficult and expensive to access this vital resource.
Impact of Climate Change on Groundwater Resources in India
The impact of climate change on Groundwater Resources in India is a growing concern. Climate change is altering rainfall patterns, leading to more frequent droughts and floods. These changes affect the natural recharge of groundwater, as erratic rainfall disrupts the infiltration process. In some regions, the increasing intensity of rainfall leads to surface runoff, reducing the amount of water that seeps into the ground.
Effects of Climate Change on Groundwater
These changes are particularly concerning in arid and semi-arid regions, where groundwater is the primary source of water. The combination of over-extraction and reduced recharge due to climate change is leading to a decline in groundwater quality and availability, threatening the livelihoods of millions of people
- Altered rainfall patterns: Climate change causes unpredictable rainfall, affecting the natural recharge of groundwater.
- Increased evaporation: Rising temperatures increase evaporation rates, reducing the availability of surface water for groundwater recharge.
- Sea-level rise: Coastal aquifers are at risk of salinization due to rising sea levels, contaminating groundwater supplies.
Sustainable Management of Groundwater Resources
To address the challenges facing Groundwater Resources in India, it is essential to adopt sustainable management practices. This includes regulating groundwater extraction, promoting water-efficient agricultural practices, and enhancing the recharge of aquifers through rainwater harvesting and other methods.
Strategies for Sustainable Groundwater Management
- Regulation: Implementing stricter regulations on groundwater extraction to prevent overuse and ensure equitable access.
- Water-efficient agriculture: Encouraging the use of drip irrigation and other water-saving techniques to reduce the dependency on groundwater.
- Recharge initiatives: Promoting rainwater harvesting and artificial recharge to replenish groundwater levels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Groundwater Resources in India are under severe stress due to overuse and the impact of climate change. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that includes regulation, education, and the adoption of sustainable practices. By doing so, India can ensure that its groundwater resources continue to support the needs of its people and economy for generations to come.
| Groundwater Resources UPSC Notes |
| Groundwater is stored in aquifers beneath the Earth’s surface, providing a crucial source of fresh water. The water table marks the upper level of groundwater, varying with factors like rainfall and extraction rates. Groundwater is replenished through the natural process of recharge, where surface water infiltrates the soil and permeable rock layers. Over-extraction of groundwater can lead to depletion, causing issues like land subsidence and reduced water quality. Sustainable management of groundwater resources is vital to ensure long-term availability for agricultural, industrial, and domestic use. |
