india-uses-25-of-world-s-groundwater-panel-flags-overuse

India accounts for nearly 25 per cent of global groundwater withdrawals, a parliamentary panel has warned, urging stricter measures to curb excessive extraction and ensure long-term sustainability.

 

In its 41st report on ‘Ground Water Management and Regulation’, tabled in Parliament, the Public Accounts Committee highlighted that India is the largest user of groundwater globally, with annual extraction estimated at 245 billion cubic metres.

 

The report, presented by panel chairperson K C Venugopal, noted that groundwater meets nearly 80 per cent of the country’s drinking water needs and about 64 per cent of irrigation demand, underscoring its critical role in India’s water security.

 

However, the committee flagged alarming levels of over-extraction. “The fact that four states had exceeded 100 per cent extraction and 267 districts had a stage of extraction ranging from 64 per cent to 385 per cent is a clear indication of the failure to prioritise sustainable water use,” the report said.

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It urged the Ministry of Jal Shakti to persuade states to take “immediate and stringent measures” to address the issue. States such as Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan have recorded extraction levels exceeding recharge capacity, while hundreds of districts across 24 states and Union Territories face similar stress.

 

The panel also pointed out that groundwater extraction rose from 58 per cent in 2004 to 63 per cent in 2017, indicating sustained pressure on the resource.

 

In its response, the ministry said it is working with states on multiple initiatives to promote sustainable groundwater management. These include the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, the Atal Bhujal Yojana and the National Hydrology Project.

 

It cited recent data indicating some improvement. According to a 2023 assessment by the Central Ground Water Board, overall extraction declined from 63.33 per cent in 2017 to 59.26 per cent in 2023. The share of “safe” assessment units rose from 62.6 per cent to 73.1 per cent, while over-exploited units dropped from 17 per cent to 11 per cent.

 

The ministry said post-monsoon data for 2022 showed water levels rising in about 61 per cent of monitored wells, offering early signs of recovery. However, it cautioned that sustained efforts and scientific management would be essential to maintain momentum.