Approach:

Introduction: Mention the recent context with suitable facts or explain current trends with regard to groundwater depletion

Body: Write the impacts of groundwater extraction and suggest measures to manage them judiciously.
Conclusion: Suggest an integrated approach to decrease its impacts.

Answer:

Recently a study led by researchers from the University of Utah, found that humans pumped out around 2,150 gigatons of groundwater between 1993 and 2010. This led to a decrease in the mass of the Earth at the poles, which caused the planet's axis to shift by 4.36 centimeters per year towards the east.

Impact of groundwater extraction on the environment:

1. Weather in anomalies: The shift in the Earth's axis could affect the distribution of heat around the planet, which could lead to changes in weather patterns.
2. Sea level rise: The study's findings suggest that groundwater extraction is a significant contributor to global sea level rise. This is because when groundwater is extracted, it is replaced by seawater, which has a higher density and therefore contributes to the rising of the sea level.
3. Depletion of Aquifers: The excessive extraction of groundwater has resulted in the depletion of aquifers, causing irreversible damage to the underground water storage. Once aquifers are depleted, it becomes challenging to replenish them, leading to long-term water scarcity. Example : zero water day in Cape town ,Bangalore (2018).
4. Land Subsidence: Over-extraction of groundwater can cause the land above the aquifers to sink, leading to land subsidence. This phenomenon damages infrastructure, disrupts ecosystems, and increases the vulnerability of coastal regions to flooding.
5. Contamination of Water: As water tables decline, the concentration of contaminants in groundwater increases, leading to water quality issues. Contaminants such as fluoride, arsenic, and nitrates can have severe health implications for the population relying on groundwater for drinking water. Example Purulia district in west bengal(Uranium contamination)
6. Agricultural Crisis: The depletion of groundwater adversely affects agriculture, which heavily relies on irrigation. Declining water availability hampers crop yields, reduces agricultural productivity, and threatens food security in the country.
   

Measures for sustainable management of groundwater resources:

1. Introducing water pricing mechanisms: This will help to discourage over-exploitation of groundwater and ensure that water is used efficiently.
   
2. Promoting rainwater harvesting: Rainwater harvesting is a simple and effective way to recharge groundwater aquifers. The government should promote rainwater harvesting by providing financial incentives and technical assistance to farmers and households. Example: check dams, percolation tanks, and artificial recharge structures like Johads, Ahar pynes.
   
3. Protecting groundwater resources from pollution: This includes preventing the disposal of industrial and agricultural waste in groundwater aquifers.
   
4. Promoting Sustainable Agriculture: Promoting the adoption of water-efficient agricultural practices like sprinkler irrigation, crop rotation, and cultivation of less water-intensive crops can significantly reduce the agricultural sector's impact on groundwater resources. Example : PM Krishi sinchayi yojana.
5. Awareness and Education: Raising awareness among the general public, farmers, and industries about the importance of sustainable water management and the consequences of over-extraction is crucial. Educational campaigns can encourage responsible water usage and the adoption of water-saving practices.Example : Jal Shakti Abhiyan.
6. Integrated Water Resource Management: In lines with Mihir Shah committee, implement integrated water resource management strategies at the regional and national levels, considering the interconnectedness of surface water and groundwater, can ensure a holistic approach to water management and sustainable utilization.

By adopting an integrated approach that combines sustainable practices, community engagement, effective policies, technological advancements, and international cooperation, it is possible to address the groundwater crisis and pave the way for a more secure and resilient water future.