Groundwater Resource Assessment Report 2024
The Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri CR Patil, recently unveiled the Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report for 2024. This significant report was released on December 31, 2024, and it provides a comprehensive overview of groundwater resources across India. The assessment was a collaborative effort between the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and various states and Union Territories (UTs). The findings are crucial for stakeholders involved in water management and conservation efforts.
Key Findings of the Assessment
The assessment reveals that the total annual groundwater recharge in India is estimated at 446.90 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM). After accounting for natural discharge, the annual extractable groundwater resource is assessed at 406.19 BCM. In contrast, the total annual groundwater extraction for all uses stands at 245.64 BCM. This results in an average groundwater extraction stage of 60.47%.
The report categorizes the 6,746 assessment units across the country into various classifications. Out of these, 4,951 units, or 73.4%, are classified as ‘Safe’. Meanwhile, 711 units (10.5%) are deemed ‘Semi-critical’, 206 units (3.05%) are ‘Critical’, and 751 units (11.1%) are ‘Over-exploited’. Additionally, 127 units (1.8%) are categorized as ‘Saline’, indicating that the groundwater in these areas is brackish or saline. These classifications are vital for understanding the state of groundwater resources and for planning future interventions.
Improvements in Groundwater Conditions
The assessment indicates a positive trend in groundwater recharge, primarily attributed to enhanced recharge from water bodies, tanks, and water conservation structures. Notably, there has been an improvement in groundwater conditions in 128 assessment units compared to the data from 2023. Furthermore, the report highlights a decrease in the percentage of over-exploited, critical, and semi-critical units. This improvement suggests that ongoing water conservation efforts are yielding positive results.
The increase in groundwater recharge is encouraging. It reflects the effectiveness of various initiatives aimed at enhancing water conservation. The data shows that recharge from tanks, ponds, and water conservation structures has consistently increased over the last five assessments. In 2024, this recharge increased by 0.39 BCM compared to 2023. This trend is crucial for ensuring sustainable water resources for future generations.
Stakeholder Engagement and Future Directions
The release of the assessment report was attended by key officials, including Ms. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary of the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, and Dr. Sunil Kumar Ambast, Chairman of the CGWB. Their presence underscores the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders in managing groundwater resources effectively.
The report serves as a valuable tool for policymakers, researchers, and water management professionals. It provides essential data that can guide interventions and strategies for sustainable groundwater management. As India faces increasing water scarcity challenges, the insights from this assessment will be crucial in shaping future water policies and conservation efforts.
In conclusion, the 2024 Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report highlights both challenges and improvements in India’s groundwater resources. Continued efforts in water conservation and management are essential to ensure the sustainability of this vital resource.
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