On groundwater extraction – UN report on groundwater extraction: Every drop counts

Source: The post on groundwater extraction is based on the article “UN report on groundwater extraction: Every drop counts” published in “Indian express” on 1st November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1 Geography – Distribution of key natural resources across the Indian sub-continent

News: The article discusses India’s severe groundwater crisis. Many of the country’s aquifers are depleting fast. Reports have warned about this for years. A program called Atal Bhujal Yojana was started to address the issue.

What is India’s groundwater status?

Depletion Rate: As per United Nations University, 27 out of 31 aquifers are depleting faster than they can be replenished.

Global Comparison: India extracts more groundwater than China and the US combined.

Primary Source: About 70% of India’s water usage comes from groundwater.

Regional Impact: In Punjab, 78% of wells are overexploited.

Climate Concerns: In southwest India, increasing temperatures might hinder groundwater replenishment.

What are the existing legal and regulatory frameworks for groundwater?

Indian Easement Act, 1882:

Historically determined groundwater rights.

Linked rights to land ownership.

Central Ground Water Board (CGWB): It was established in 1970. It develops groundwater policies and programs.

Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: It empowers the CGWA. It recognized groundwater as a public resource.

Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA): It was formed under the Environment Act. It Can declare ‘notified areas’ with strict regulations.

Model Groundwater Bills: It was first introduced in 1970. Then revised in 2011, 2016, 2017. It empowers state boards to create laws and manage water.

National Green Tribunal (NGT): It directs CGWA to regulate extraction. It mandates permission for extraction.

Public Trust Doctrine:

Establish by 2004 Supreme Court judgement. Doctrine emphasizes public access to groundwater.

Polluter Pays Principle:

Groundwater contamination addressed case-by-case. According to this principle, Poluters bear remediation costs.

What is Atal Bhujal Yojana?

Atal Bhujal Yojana (ATAL JAL): A scheme launched by PM Narendra Modi on December 25, 2019, under the Ministry of Jal Shakti to address groundwater management and conservation.

Objective: To ensure the long-term sustainability of groundwater resources in the country by combining both top-down (government-driven) and bottom-up (community-driven) approaches.

Budget & Funding:

It’s an Rs. 6000 crore initiative with funding being equally split between the Government of India and the World Bank.

Key Features:

1. Encourage community participation, such as through the formation of Water User Associations.
2. Emphasize monitoring and data dissemination.
3. Focus on water budgeting and panchayat-level plans.
4. Engage in Information, Education & Communication (IEC) activities.

Main Components:

Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building: This involves fortifying institutional arrangements for sustainable groundwater management in states. This includes enhancing monitoring networks, capacity building, and the strengthening of Water User Associations.

Incentive Component: This aims to reward states for achievements in better groundwater management practices, like data dissemination, preparing water security plans, integrating management interventions with existing schemes, and implementing demand side management practices.

Achievements of Atal Bhujal Yojana: Groundwater extraction decreased by 6 billion cubic metres from 2020 to 2022.

What are the possible solutions?

Water-Efficient Crops: The government is promoting the growth of less thirsty crops, especially millets, to reduce water consumption in agriculture.

Efficient Watering: Emphasis is being placed on using water-saving irrigation techniques to minimize wastage and over-extraction.

Technology Adoption: Introducing technologies that allow individuals to monitor the water levels in their borewells can help raise awareness and promote responsible usage.

Awareness and Education: Since borewells and tubewells are covered structures, people often don’t perceive the crisis. Educating them on the real-time status can help in water conservation.

Institutional Innovations: As pointed out by the Shah Committee, there’s a need to innovate institutionally in the water sector to ensure sustainable water management.

Demand-Side Management: Addressing the connection between power subsidies and excessive groundwater extraction, especially in states like Punjab, can help in resource conservation.

For more details on groundwater use and governance in India read here

Question for practice:

How can the Atal Bhujal Yojana positively impact the long-term sustainability of groundwater resources in India?