NEWS – Groundwater exploitation in Karnataka increased by 2.22% in 2024 compared to 2023.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Annual extraction for all uses rose from 32 bcm to 11.55 bcm.
• Groundwater extraction as a percentage of available resources increased from 26% in 2023 to 68.44% in 2024.

Over-Exploited Districts

• Districts categorized as over-exploited:
  • Bengaluru Urban
  • Bengaluru Rural
  • Kolar
  • Chitradurga
  • Chikkaballapur
  • Tumakuru
  • Davangere
• Decrease in groundwater recharge: From 93 bcm (2023) to 18.74 bcm (2024).
• Decrease in extractable groundwater resources: From 08 bcm (2023) to 16.88 bcm (2024).

Assessment Units in Karnataka

• Out of 237 taluks:
  • 45 units (18.99%) classified as “over-exploited.”
  • 15 units (6.33%) classified as “critical.”
  • 33 units (13.92%) classified as “semi-critical.”
  • 144 units (60.76%) classified as “safe.”
• No taluk is classified as “saline.”

NATIONAL GROUNDWATER SCENARIO

Groundwater Extraction at National Level

• National extraction rate: Average groundwater extraction at 47%.
• Over-exploited units: 751 out of 6,746 assessment units (11.13%).
• Critical units: 206 out of 6,746 assessment units (3.05%) have extraction rates between 90-100%.

Water Quality Concerns

• Fluoride contamination: Exceeding permissible limits in states like Rajasthan, Haryana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
• Nitrate contamination: Found in groundwater across 440 districts. 20% of samples exceed permissible nitrate levels, primarily due to agricultural activities using nitrogen-based fertilizers and animal waste.