India to try groundwater recharge method to solve water problem

What is the News?

The government is planning to implement the Pilot Artificial Groundwater Recharge Project in Tamil Nadu.

About Artificial Groundwater Recharge Project in Tamil Nadu

Launched by: Ministry of Jal Shakti in collaboration with the Netherlands.

Location: The project is being implemented in the doab of Araniyar and Korattailaiyar River in Tamil Nadu.

Note: Doab refers to the alluvial land between two converging rivers.

Process: Under the project, the groundwater is being recharged using the treated water.

Significance: In India or in any other country, direct recharge using treated water has not been taken up considering that groundwater is used for all purposes including drinking.

Hence, if this pilot project proves to be successful, the method is likely to be replicated in other parts of the country as well.

What is the water situation in India?

According to a 2018 estimate by Niti Aayog, 600 million people in India face high to extreme water stress and about 200,000 people die every year owing to inadequate access to safe water.

This water crisis is going to get worse as Niti Aayog has projected that by 2030, India’s water demand will be twice the available supply. 

Click Here to read Composite Water Management Index by Niti Aayog

Source: This post is based on the article “India to try groundwater recharge method to solve water problem” published in Livemint on 19th April 2022.