In the article titled ‘Satellite-based estimates of groundwater depletion in India’ published in August, 2009 issue of scientific journal ‘Nature’ it has been indicated that groundwater is being depleted at a mean rate of 4.0 + 1.0 cm yr-1 equivalent height of water (17.7 + 4.5 km3 yr-1) over the Indian states of Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana (including Delhi).As per the information provided by the States, 45% of the irrigation potential created is through ground water resources and about 47% of the irrigation potential utilized is through ground water. About 85% of the rural drinking water requirement has been assessed to be met from ground water resources.

Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) regularly monitors ground water levels in the country through a network of 15640 observation wells. Further, the States also monitor the ground water levels. Time series data generated by CGWB and the States is used in assessment of replenishable ground water resources in the country as well as categorization of assessment units based on decline in ground water levels and stage of ground water development. These form the basis for planning ground water development and management by the Central Government/States.

The steps taken by Government to utilize underground sources more effectively include circulation of ‘Model Bill’ to States/Union Territories to enact suitable ground water legislation, constitution of Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) for regulation of ground water management and development, organization of mass awareness programmes on Water Management, Rain Water Harvesting and Artificial Recharge of Ground Water.

In addition, CGWA also issued directions to the concerned authorities of the States having ‘over-exploited’ areas to take necessary measures to adopt/promote artificial recharge to ground water/rain water harvesting, conservation of ground water and also to include provision for construction of roof top rain water harvesting structures as mandatory in the building bye-laws. As per available information, 18 States and 4 UTs have amended building bye-laws incorporating mandatory adoption of roof top rain water harvesting in existing/new buildings in their respective States/UTs.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Water Resources Shri Vincent H.Pala in the Rajya Sabha