Utilization of the groundwater in Uttar Pradesh

Mention the major problems and challenges associated with the utilization of the groundwater in Uttar Pradesh.

Approach: Give an introduction about the status of groundwater utilisation in Uttar Pradesh. In the body, discuss the major problems and challenges with the utilization of groundwater. Conclude by suggesting measures to overcome them.

According to the Central Groundwater Board, Uttar Pradesh is the largest extractor of groundwater in India. Nearly half of the districts have been extracting groundwater unsustainably, with 6 districts of western UP exceeding the replenishment capacity.

Problems and challenges in groundwater utilization

1. a) Excessive use for agriculture, industry and domestic use (through private borewells) has been depleting water levels, causing wells and boreholes to dry up; b) over extraction of groundwater increases soil salinity,degrading soil quality and reducing productivity.
2. a) Cities like Lucknow, Ghaziabad, Meerut and Kanpur are experiencing uncontrolled exploitation due to haphazard urbanisation. Parts of these cities have been declared ‘dark zones’; b) Infrastructure development, such as roads and concrete surfaces, reduce natural recharge zones, preventing rainwater from replenishing groundwater reserves
3. a)Many rural and urban areas lack adequate surface water infrastructure, leading to an overreliance on groundwater, further straining already depleting reserves; b) neglect of traditional water conservation structures like stepwells, ponds, and check dams has reduced natural groundwater recharge.
4. a) Groundwater contamination from industrial waste, pesticides, and untreated sewage is a concern; b) 35 districts suffer from arsenic toxicity, along with nitrate and heavy metal pollution, making water unsafe for drinking and irrigation.
5. a) Marginalized communities, small farmers, and rural populations often struggle with inequitable access to groundwater resources; b) excessive exploitation of groundwater to fill gaps in water availability from other sources (canal networks, inter-state river basins); c) challenges of groundwater governance (real time monitoring, gaps in data) and limited awareness about sustainable utilization of groundwater.
6. Uttar Pradesh shares river basins with neighboring states, leading to disputes over groundwater extraction and allocation, impacting water availability for agriculture and drinking purposes.

Climate change is expected to intensify these challenges by disrupting rainfall patterns and affecting groundwater recharge. To address these issues, UP needs to promote sustainable groundwater management through stricter policies, community partnership, and use of water-efficient technologies.