Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) is periodically monitoring the ground water levels throughout the Country on a regional scale, through a network of monitoring wells. The Board works under umbrella of Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.
CGWB and State Governments also conduct periodic assessments of the Dynamic Ground Water Resources of the country. From the total of 6881 assessment units (Blocks/ Taluks/ Mandals/ watersheds/ Firkas) in the country, 1186 units in 17 States/UTs have been categorized as ‘Over-exploited’, where total Current Annual Ground Water Extraction exceeds Annual Extractable Ground Water Resource.
As part of the “National Aquifer Mapping and Management (NAQUIM)” initiative, the Central Ground Water Board is mapping aquifers, characterization of them, and developing aquifer management plans to facilitate the sustainable development of ground water resources. About 11 lakhs sq.km have been covered so far. State government agencies have been provided with aquifer maps and management plans. Aquifer Management Plans are being disseminated to stakeholders through Public Interaction Programs at the grassroots level.
A number of premier educational institutes have been awarded studies on the impact of climate change on water resources by the Research & Development Division, Project Planning Wing, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Wing of Central Water Commission (CWC). The studies are being conducted under the supervision of the Indian National Committee on Climate Change (INCC).
CGWB has prepared NAQUIM report for all the states in the country including the State of Uttar Pradesh wherein the information is available for about 17 districts and the report is available at http://cgwb.gov.in/AQM/UP%20Reportdistrict.html.
Also, CGWB has brought out “Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Ground Water in India” (http://cgwb.gov.in/documents/masterplan-2013.pdf) and also “Manual on Artificial Recharge of Ground Water” (http://cgwb.gov.in/documents/Manual-Artificial-Recharge.pdf) wherein various new technologies are discussed.