Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Groundwater constitutes a vital freshwater resource, accounting for approximately 40% of India’s total water resources and serving as a crucial source for irrigation, drinking water, and industrial use. Its distribution is highly uneven, governed by geological formations, rainfall patterns, and anthropogenic activities. Recent decades have witnessed a concerning trend of groundwater depletion across much of the country, threatening water security and ecological balance. This depletion is driven by factors like over-extraction, unsustainable agricultural practices, and inadequate recharge mechanisms, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of the geographical distribution and the severity of the problem.
Geographical Distribution of Groundwater Resources
The distribution of groundwater in India is intrinsically linked to the country’s diverse geological formations and climatic zones. Broadly, it can be categorized as follows:
1. Alluvial Plains (North India)
The Indo-Gangetic Plain, encompassing states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, is endowed with abundant groundwater resources due to the porous nature of alluvial deposits. These areas benefit from high rainfall and river recharge. However, intensive irrigation practices have led to significant depletion in recent years, particularly in Punjab and Haryana.
2. Peninsular India (South & Central India)
Peninsular India, characterized by hard rock formations like granite and basalt, generally has limited groundwater potential. Groundwater occurs in fractures and fissures. States like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh rely heavily on groundwater, but face challenges due to lower recharge rates and erratic rainfall. The Deccan Plateau exhibits varying groundwater availability based on localized geological structures.
3. Coastal Regions (East & West India)
Coastal regions, including those along the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, experience varying groundwater conditions. Freshwater aquifers are often threatened by saltwater intrusion, particularly in areas with over-extraction. States like Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal face this challenge. The presence of sedimentary formations in some coastal areas provides relatively better groundwater storage.
4. Arid and Semi-Arid Regions (West India)
Rajasthan and parts of Gujarat are characterized by arid and semi-arid conditions with limited rainfall and high evaporation rates. Groundwater resources are scarce and often saline. The availability is highly dependent on sporadic rainfall events and artificial recharge initiatives. The Thar Desert region faces severe water stress.
5. Himalayan Region (North India)
The Himalayan region, while receiving substantial precipitation, has complex groundwater dynamics. Groundwater is often found in fractured rock formations and is crucial for local communities. However, the rugged terrain and limited accessibility pose challenges for groundwater exploration and management.
Depletion of Groundwater Resources: A Serious Concern
1. Extent of Depletion
According to the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) assessment (2022 - knowledge cutoff), approximately 17% of assessed blocks in India are over-exploited, 25% are critical, and 15% are semi-critical. This indicates a widespread and alarming trend of groundwater depletion. States like Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi are among the most affected.
2. Causes of Depletion
- Over-extraction for Irrigation: Agriculture accounts for the largest share of groundwater consumption (around 90%). The Green Revolution, while boosting food production, led to intensive irrigation and unsustainable groundwater extraction.
- Urbanization and Industrialization: Rapid urbanization and industrial growth have increased the demand for groundwater, leading to its depletion in urban and industrial areas.
- Lack of Artificial Recharge: Insufficient efforts to replenish groundwater through artificial recharge techniques exacerbate the problem.
- Inefficient Water Management: Poor water management practices, including leaky canals and inefficient irrigation systems, contribute to water wastage and groundwater depletion.
- Climate Change: Altered rainfall patterns and increased frequency of droughts due to climate change further strain groundwater resources.
3. Consequences of Depletion
- Water Scarcity: Groundwater depletion leads to water scarcity for drinking, irrigation, and industrial purposes.
- Land Subsidence: Excessive groundwater extraction can cause land subsidence, damaging infrastructure and agricultural land.
- Saltwater Intrusion: In coastal areas, depletion can lead to saltwater intrusion, rendering groundwater unusable.
- Ecological Impacts: Reduced groundwater levels can affect ecosystems, impacting wetlands, rivers, and biodiversity.
- Increased Energy Costs: As groundwater levels decline, farmers need to lift water from greater depths, increasing energy costs and carbon emissions.
4. Recent Trends & Initiatives
The Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABY), launched in 2019, aims to improve groundwater management through community participation and demand-side management. The Jal Shakti Abhiyan focuses on water conservation and rainwater harvesting. However, the effectiveness of these initiatives requires sustained efforts and increased investment.
Conclusion
The geographical distribution of groundwater resources in India is highly uneven, with significant variations across different regions. The alarming rate of groundwater depletion, driven by a complex interplay of factors, poses a serious threat to water security and sustainable development. Addressing this challenge requires a multi-pronged approach encompassing improved water management practices, artificial recharge initiatives, demand-side management, and community participation. A long-term vision focused on integrated water resource management is crucial to ensure the availability of this vital resource for future generations.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.