Groundwater depletion is gradually becoming a major problem in India. Discuss the causes of groundwater depletion and the steps taken by the government to deal with it.
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Rajveer Thakur
Groundwater overuse or overexploitation is defined as a situation in which, over a period of time, average extraction rate from aquifers is greater than the average recharge rate.
Groundwater is a critical resource in India, accounting for over 65% of irrigation water and 85% of drinking water supplies.
However, on current trends it is estimated that 60% of groundwater sources will be in a critical state of degradation within the next twenty years.
According to a report by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), 55 percent of the wells in India have registered declining trend of ground water level.
Wells in Delhi and Andhra Pradesh have registered highest declining trend of ground water level during 2007-2012.
Causes of groundwater depletion:
Government measures:
Draft National Water Framework Bill
Model Bill for the conservation, protection, regulation and management of groundwater:
National Groundwater Management Improvement Program(NGIMP):