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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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. |
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