DYNAMIC GROUND WATER RESOURCE ASSESSMENT REPORT 2023

Why in News?                                                                                                        

The Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat released the Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report for the entire country for the year 2023.

What are Findings?

• The assessment was carried out jointly by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and States/UTs, which can be used for taking suitable interventions by various stake-holders.
• To determine the prevailing status of groundwater resources and the impact of ongoing groundwater management practices.
• Previously carried out in 1980, 1995, 2004, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2017, 2020 and 2022.
• Increase in ground water recharge: Total annual ground water recharge is 449.08 billion cubic meters (BCM), marking an increase of 11.48 BCM compared to 2022.
• Increase in annual ground water extraction: Total annual ground water extraction for the entire country is 241.34 BCM.
• Decrease in stage of groundwater extraction level: Currently stands at 59.23%.
• Stage of groundwater extraction is a measure of annual ground water extraction for all uses (irrigation, industrial and domestic uses) over annual extractable ground water resource.
• Out of total 6553 assessment units– – 736 units (11.23%) have been categorized as ‘Over-exploited’ and 4793 units categorized as safe.