Declining Underground Water Levels in India: Causes, Impacts, and Sustainable Management

Abstract

The declining underground water levels in India pose a severe threat to the nation’s environmental sustainability, agricultural productivity, and water security. Over extraction for irrigation, rapid urbanization, poor water governance, and changing climatic patterns have significantly contributed to the depletion of groundwater resources. States like Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and parts of Maharashtra are witnessing alarming rates of groundwater decline, with extraction far exceeding natural recharge rates. This imbalance has led to increased energy usage for deeper pumping, degradation of soil quality, and adverse socio-economic impacts on farming communities. The crisis also undermines future drinking water availability for both rural and urban populations. Sustainable management of groundwater requires a multipronged approach, including policy reforms, improved irrigation efficiency, promotion of rainwater harvesting, community participation, and the integration of traditional and modern water conservation techniques. This paper highlights the causes and consequences of declining groundwater levels and recommends sustainable strategies to ensure long-term water availability in India. India, with 18% of the world’s population and only 4% of its water resources, is facing a severe groundwater crisis. Groundwater accounts for over 60% of irrigation and 85% of domestic water use in rural areas. This paper investigates the trends in groundwater depletion, regional disparities, causes, consequences, and policy initiatives. It further explores sustainable groundwater management practices to ensure water security for future generations.