According to a recent study by researchers at IIT Gandhinagar, Groundwater is depleting at an alarming rate in northwest and central India.
About:
A team of researchers from IIT Gandhinagar have analysed groundwater depletion based on Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) data of nearly 5,900 wells which have long-term data (1996–2016).
The results were published in American Geophysical Union’s journal Earth’s Future.
Key findings:
Many parts of the country are experiencing rapid depletion of groundwater. The total estimated groundwater depletion in India is in the range of 122–199 billion metre cubes.
The Indo-Gangetic Plain, north-western, central and western parts of India account for most intensive groundwater-based irrigation.
With depletion occurring at a rate of 91 cm per year, Punjab has been witnessing a steep decline in groundwater table since 1996.
In contrast, some districts in western India, east coast and peninsular India have witnessed an increase in groundwater levels.
Groundwater recharge has declined between 1996 and 2016 in northwest and northcentral India due a reduction in ‘low-intensity rainfall’ during the monsoon.
Using groundwater to irrigate the field only when necessary led to a reduction in electricity consumption and greenhouse emissions.
Implications:
If groundwater is depleted and the region experiences drought for two–three years consecutively, then even Availability of drinking water can be a huge problem.
Natural recharge during monsoon may not help much if groundwater depletion becomes acute.
Dear Student,
You have still not entered your mailing address. Please enter the address where all the study materials will be sent to you. (If applicable).
