Context: Recently, the Union Minister of Jal Shakti has released the Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report for the entire country for the year 2023.

About Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report

• Aim– To determine the prevailing status of groundwater resources and the impact of ongoing groundwater management practices.

• Conducted jointly by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and States/UTs.

• Previously carried out in 1980, 1995, 2004, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2017, 2020 and 2022.

Key highlights of Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report 2023

• Increase in ground water recharge: Total annual ground water recharge is 449.08 billion cubic meters (BCM), marking an increase of 11.48 BCM compared to 2022.

• Increase in annual ground water extraction: Total annual ground water extraction for the entire country is 241.34 BCM.

• Decrease in stage of groundwater extraction level: Currently stands at 59.23%.

• Note- Stage of groundwater extraction is a measure of annual ground water extraction for all uses (irrigation, industrial and domestic uses) over annual extractable ground water resource

Out of total 6553 assessment units

• 736 units (11.23%) have been categorized as ‘Over-exploited’ (where the annual ground water extraction is more than annual extractable ground water resource), witnessing a decline.

• 4793 units categorized as ‘Safe’.

Groundwater Recharge

• The total annual groundwater recharge is 449.08 billion cubic meters (BCM), marking an increase of 11.48 BCM compared to 2022.

An increase in groundwater recharge was observed due to

• Increased recharge from canal seepage,

• Return flow of irrigation water,

• Recharges from water bodies/tanks and water conservation structures.

• Groundwater conditions improved in 226 assessment units as compared with 2022 assessment data.

Groundwater Extraction

• The annual groundwater extraction for India was 241.34 BCM and stood at 59.23%.

•  Out of a total 6553 assessment units, 4793 units were categorized as ‘Safe’ and 736 units as ‘Over-exploited’.

• The overall decrease in number of over-exploited units and decrease in the stage of extraction level was observed.

Key initiatives taken by government to improve ground water resources

• Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal): Its a Rs. 6000 crore Central Sector Scheme, undertaken with World Bank assistance, for ensuring sustainable management of ground water resources.

• Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA): Launched in 2019, it aims to promote water conservation and water resource management in 256 water stressed districts in the country through targeted interventions.