Question : DECLINING GROUNDWATER TABLE

(a) the goals envisaged including the strategies identified under National Water Mission;

(b) whether the Government is aware of the rapidly declining ground water table in various parts of the country;

(c) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor, State/UT-wise;

(d) whether the Government has conducted any study to assess the estimated ground water depletion in the country;

(e) if so, the details thereof including the name of the Institution/ Research Group which conducted the study and the outcome thereof along with their recommendations/suggestions; and

(f) the action taken by the Government on the said recommendations/ suggestions including the funds allocated/utilised for the purpose during the last three years and the current year along with the success achieved as a result thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION; PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS AND TEXTILES (INDEPENDENT CHARGE). (SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

(a) The goals and strategies identified under National Water Mission are annexed at Annexure - I.

(b) & (c) Yes Madam. Ground water is continuously being exploited due to growth in population, increased industrialization and irrigation as a result of which ground water levels in various parts of the Country are declining. The comparison of ground water data(as monitored by CGWB), for the pre-monsoon 2013 with decadal mean of the pre-monsoon (2003-2012) indicates that 56% of the wells show a decline in ground water level. State/UT-wise details are given at Annexure-II.

(d) & (e) Dynamic Ground Water Resources Estimation is carried out jointly by CGWB and the State Government periodically. As per the latest assessment (2011), out of 6607 assessment units (Blocks/ Mandals/ Talukas/ Districts) in the Country, 1071 units falling in 15 States and 2 UTs have been categorized as ‘Over-exploited’, based inter-alia, on declining ground water level.

(f) State Governments have been advised to take suitable remedial measures to check ground water exploitation and ensure recharge of aquifers in water stressed areas.