Answer: According to the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), with 230 billion metre cubes of groundwater drawn out each year for irrigating agriculture lands in India, many parts of the country are experiencing rapid depletion of groundwater.

Impact of the irrigation system on groundwater depletion in India

• Over-extraction of groundwater as irrigation sector is the largest consumer of groundwater in India. 
• According to CGWB study, 89% of groundwater extracted is used for irrigation purposes.
• Declining water tables, caused due to overexploitation, has resulted in increasing depth for accessing groundwater.
•  About 30% of the wells monitored have registered decline in groundwater level mostly in the range of 0 – 2 m (CGWB 2021 data).
• Losses due to evaporation, seepage and runoff because of inefficient irrigation techniques put extra pressure on already depleting groundwater.
•  For example: Open canals, flood irrigation, etc.
• Aquifer depletion and quality degradation are caused due to unsustainable extraction and over-pumping.
•  For example: Over-pumping in coastal areas can cause saltwater intrusion leading to quality degradation of groundwater.
• The estimated groundwater depletion in India is in the range of 122–199 billion metre cubes.

Role of modern irrigation technologies in promoting sustainable groundwater management

• Optimizing water use efficiency, as modern irrigation systems are designed to deliver water directly to plant roots with minimal losses due to evaporation or runoff.
• For example: Drip irrigation provides water where and when it is needed, thus reducing the strain on groundwater resources.
• Conjunctive use of water sources in modern irrigation technologies allows for using surface water and groundwater at the same time with a conservatory approach.
•  This minimizes pressure on groundwater with an alternate source.
• Increases soil productivity with water use efficiency and limitation over weed growth.
• Improved soil productivity induces a virtuous cycle of low groundwater demand.
• Data-driven decision-making due to the use of different sensors leads to better farm management including irrigation scheduling and resource allocation.
•  Smart agriculture in turn reduces demand for groundwater resources.

Sustainable groundwater management (e.g., Atal Bhujal Yojana) is critical for ensuring the long-term availability of water resources. By adopting modern irrigation technologies, as demonstrated by successful endeavours of different countries, India can optimize water use and minimize groundwater depletion, paving the way for a sustainable and water-secure future.