NEWS: India follows a multi-pronged approach to groundwater management by combining robust monitoring systems, regulatory mechanisms, and community-based programmes such as the Atal Bhujal Yojana and Jal Shakti Abhiyan, aimed at ensuring long-term water security and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
SIGNIFICANCE OF GROUND WATER MANAGEMENT
- Maintains water levels in many rivers and streams, and it strongly influences the habitats of wetlands for plants and animals
- It comprises nearly 99% of Earth’s liquid freshwater and offers substantial social, economic, and environmental benefits, including climate resilience.
- Primary foundation of agricultural activity and drinking water supply, meeting nearly 62% of irrigation needs, 85% of rural consumption, and 50% of urban demand
key priorities
- Maintaining a dynamic water cycle to support natural recharge
- Balancing ecological and human needs to ensure environmental protection
- Preserving reserve supplies to safeguard against drought
- Aligning use with quality requirements so that groundwater quality matches its purpose.
key pillars
- Extraction/Usage – Pumping for domestic, irrigation and industrial purposes
- Problems/Usage – Decline in groundwater levels, contamination/poor ground water quality
- Reduction in ground water withdrawal & Supply side: Artificial recharge/water conservation
government initiatives
- Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Focuses on awareness, rainwater harvesting, afforestation, strengthening the message that every drop counts
- Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB): To improve groundwater recharge through measures such as rainwater harvesting, aquifer recharge, borewell recharge, and recharge shafts.
- National Aquifer Mapping and Management Programme (NAQUIM): To support effective groundwater management in the country.
- NAQUIM 2.0 -Provides high-granularity data density on groundwater levels and quality and delivering issue-based scientific inputs up to the Panchayat level.
- Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal): Focuses on community-led sustainable groundwater management.