Table of Contents:
- What is Groundwater?
- What is Water Table?
- What is Aquifer?
- What are the sources of Groundwater?
- What are the reasons for Groundwater depletion?
- Groundwater Usage Patterns in India
- Solved Questions:
- What are the major causes of groundwater resource depletion in India?
- Account for the geographical distribution of groundwater resources in India.
- How serious is its depletion in recent decades? (250 words, 20 Marks)
- Describe the objectives and impact of the Atal Bhujal Yojana?
What is Groundwater?
Groundwater refers to water that is stored in the porous rock, soil, or other geological structures below the surface of the Earth. It fills the spaces between particles and fractures in the rocks, from which underground reservoirs are known as aquifers.
Groundwater is an essential valuable natural resource and plays an important role in providing water for ecosystems, wells, and springs and maintaining human activities such as agricultural and industrial processes.
What is a Water table?:
The water table is the level at which the ground becomes saturated with water and marks the boundary between the unsaturated zone (where the pores in the soil or rock are filled with air) and the saturated zone (where the pores are filled with water). It is an important concept in hydrology and groundwater studies.
The water table can vary in depth and can rise or fall based on factors like precipitation, groundwater recharge, and human activities like pumping water from wells. During periods of heavy rainfall or snowmelt, the water table may rise, while in dry periods, it may lower.
The depth of the water level (water table) can also affect the availability of groundwater for human use and ecological purposes. The wells are usually drilled or dug to reach the water under the water level (water table). To manage and maintain groundwater resources, it is necessary to understand the water level (water table).
What is Aquifer:
Aquifers are large pools that storehouse groundwater. We can also say, an aquifer is a geologic formation, such as rock or sediment, that is capable of storing and transmitting water in significant quantities. It acts as a natural underground reservoir or storage unit for groundwater.
Aquifers consist of permeable materials like sand, gravel, or porous rock that can hold and allow water to flow through their interconnected spaces, known as pore spaces or fractures.
When precipitation, like rain or snowfall, happens, some of it percolates downward to underground and fills the spaces within the aquifer, creating a store of groundwater.
The water stored in aquifers can be accessed through wells and springs. Aquifers play a vital role in providing a sustainable source of water for various purposes, including drinking water supply, agricultural irrigation, and industrial processes.
There are two types of Aquifers:
- Unconfined Aquifer
- Confined Aquifer
Unconfined aquifers, usually get exposed to the earth's Surface. Confined Aquifers exist between two impermeable rocks ( rocks that water does not pass). Water is extracted from a confined aquifer by a well or tube well after breaking the impermeable rocks.
Sources of Groundwater:
Groundwater primarily originates from the process of precipitation, which includes rain and snowfall. When it rains or snowfall happens, some of the water is absorbed into the ground and percolates down through the soil and rock layers. This water continues to move downward through the porous spaces in the soil and permeable rocks until it reaches the water table, which is the level where the ground becomes saturated with water.
In addition to precipitation, groundwater can also be recharged by other sources, such as surface water bodies like lakes, rivers, and streams. When these water bodies have excess water, they can seep into the ground and replenish the aquifers.
Furthermore, in some regions, groundwater can be recharged through artificial means like treated wastewater or reclaimed water that is injected into the ground to augment the natural recharge process.
Depletion of Water table:
The depletion of the water table occurs when the rate of water extraction from an aquifer exceeds the natural rate of recharge. It can also happen due to changes in the local hydrogeological conditions or increased water usage, both of which can lead to a lowering of the water table level over time.
Some of the common causes of water table depletion include:
Excessive groundwater pumping:
When communities or industries extract water from wells at a rate faster than the aquifer can naturally recharge, the water table lowers.
Over-irrigation:
Agricultural practices that involve excessive use of groundwater for irrigation purposes can lead to water table depletion.
Urbanization:
Urban development can replace natural land surfaces with impermeable materials, reducing the amount of water that can infiltrate the ground and recharge aquifers.
Climate change:
Changes in precipitation patterns, such as prolonged droughts, can reduce the amount of water replenishing aquifers, contributing to water table depletion.
Increased water demand:
Population growth and rising water demands for various purposes put additional stress on groundwater resources.
The depletion of the water table can have serious consequences, including:
- Reduced water availability for drinking, irrigation, and industrial needs.
- Increased costs for well owners who must dig deeper wells to access water.
- Ecological impacts, such as drying up of wetlands and reduced stream flow.
- Subsidence of the land surface, which can lead to infrastructure damage.
To address water table depletion, it's essential to adopt sustainable water management practices, encourage water conservation, and implement policies that balance water use with natural recharge rates to ensure the long-term health of aquifers and groundwater resources.
Groundwater gets recharged by the seepage of rainwater. If water extraction is more than water recharging then the water table may be down and lead to depletion of groundwater.
Groundwater Usage Patterns in India
Groundwater usage patterns in India vary significantly across different regions and are influenced by factors such as geography, climate, population density, and economic activities. India is one of the world's largest consumers of groundwater, and it plays a crucial role in meeting various water needs in the country.
Areas-wise, ground Water resource utilization is relatively high in a river basin region. The following are three usage patterns for groundwater:
High Ground Water Usage Areas:
- Northwestern Region:
- Punjab
- Haryana
- Rajasthan
- South India:
- Tamil Nadu
Moderate level of Use:
- Gujarat
- Uttar Pradesh
- Bihar
- Tripura
- Maharastra
Small Usage of Groundwater:
- Chhatisgarh
- Odisha
- Kerala
Sector-wise, some key patterns of groundwater usage in India include:
Agricultural Use:
Agriculture is the largest consumer of groundwater in India, accounting for about 85% of total groundwater usage. Farmers heavily rely on groundwater for irrigation, especially in regions where surface water sources are limited or unreliable. This extensive agricultural use has led to significant depletion of groundwater levels in many areas.
Domestic Use:
Groundwater is an essential source of drinking water and domestic use in both rural and urban areas. In many places, it serves as a primary or supplementary source of water for households.
Industrial Use:
Industries use groundwater for various processes, such as manufacturing, cooling, and other production activities. The industrial sector's groundwater usage varies by region and the types of industries present.
Commercial and Institutional Use:
Groundwater is also utilized in commercial establishments, institutions, and government facilities for various purposes like cooling, sanitation, and landscaping.
Urbanization Impact:
Rapid urbanization and the growth of urban areas have increased the demand for groundwater in cities and towns. As urban populations expand, so does the need for water supply and groundwater plays a vital role in meeting these demands.
Over-extraction and Depletion:
Excessive groundwater extraction, particularly for agricultural use, has led to the depletion of aquifers in many parts of India. This has resulted in falling water tables, increased energy costs for pumping, and ecological consequences.
Government Policies and Regulation:
The Indian government has implemented various policies and regulations to manage groundwater resources. These include measures to control the drilling of wells, promote water conservation, and encourage rainwater harvesting.
Sustainable groundwater management practices are crucial to address the challenges of over-extraction and depletion. This includes promoting efficient irrigation techniques, incentivizing water conservation, and implementing measures to recharge aquifers to ensure more sustainable use of this vital resource.
Groundwater Management:
Additionally, it includes strategies to preserve water quality, prevent contamination, and promote responsible water use for agriculture, industry, and communities.
Effective groundwater management is essential for ensuring long-term water availability and safeguarding ecosystems that depend on groundwater.
The following are some common ways of groundwater management-
- Avoid flowing rainwater, rainwater should be used to recharge the groundwater.
- The usage of Rainwater for groundwater harvesting and recharging is water rainwater harvesting.
- We have old practices of rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharging like Bavaria and Checkdam. Bavaria is like a big well with shallow depth and much larger than a well. Over time, most of today's Bavaria became the store's house of garbage. Today needs a revival of Bawaris. A check dam is another traditional way to conserve water, it is built over the river to prevent the water to flow into the sea.
- Groundwater should be used economically. We should promote the drip and sprinkle irrigation technique to reduce water consumption in the agriculture sector.
- Reduce the wastage of water from leaking taps.
Question:
What are the major causes of groundwater resource depletion in India?
Answer.
Groundwater resource depletion in India can be attributed to several major causes, many of which are interconnected.
Some of the key factors contributing to this issue include:
Over-Extraction:
Excessive pumping of groundwater, particularly for agricultural irrigation, is the primary cause of depletion. India's Green Revolution and the subsequent intensification of agriculture led to increased groundwater usage, which led to an increase in the extraction rate of groundwater.
Agricultural Practices:
Outdated and inefficient irrigation techniques, such as flood irrigation and uncontrolled tube well usage, lead to wastage of water and led higher rates of depletion of groundwater.
Rapid Urbanization:
As cities and towns expand, the demand for water rises, and groundwater becomes a significant source of supply. The unplanned growth of urban areas can lead to unsustainable groundwater usage.
Population Growth:
The increasing population in India puts additional pressure on water resources, including groundwater, leading to higher demand and depletion.
Climate Change and Droughts:
Changes in precipitation patterns and prolonged droughts can reduce the recharge of aquifers, exacerbating the depletion problem.
Lack of Regulation and Monitoring:
In some regions, there is limited enforcement of groundwater extraction regulations, leading to uncontrolled pumping and which led to further depletion of groundwater.
Groundwater Pollution:
Pollution from industrial activities, agriculture, and inadequate sanitation practices can contaminate groundwater, making it unfit for use and reducing the available usable water.
Inequitable Access:
Unequal distribution of groundwater resources and water infrastructure can lead to overuse in some areas while leaving other regions with inadequate access.
Addressing groundwater depletion in India requires a comprehensive approach, including:
- Implementing more efficient irrigation practices like drip irrigation and sprinkle irrigation and promoting water-saving technologies in agriculture.
- Developing and enforcing groundwater regulations and monitoring systems.
- Promoting rainwater harvesting and other methods of artificial recharge to replenish aquifers.
- Encouraging water conservation practices in both rural and urban areas.
- Investing in sustainable water management and infrastructure development.
- By taking these steps, India can work towards preserving and managing its precious groundwater resources for the long term.
Question.
Account for the geographical distribution of groundwater resources in India. How serious is its depletion in recent decades? (250 words, 20 Marks)
Answer.
The geographical distribution of groundwater resources in India is influenced by various factors including geological structures, rainfall patterns, topography, and aquifer characteristics. As a result, different regions of the country show significant variations in the availability and accessibility of groundwater.
Alluvial Plain:
The Indo-Gangetic plains and other alluvial regions have abundant groundwater resources due to the presence of extensive alluvial deposits. These areas generally have high recharge rates, and aquifers are relatively easy to access, making them important agricultural areas.
Hard Rock Region:
Parts of peninsular India, especially the Deccan Plateau, have hard rock formations that often have limited groundwater potential. However, some areas have fractured rock aquifers that can store and transmit groundwater.
coastal regions:
Coastal areas often have brackish or brackish groundwater due to the effects of seawater intrusion, making the water less suitable for direct consumption or irrigation.
Arid and semi-arid regions:
India's western and northwestern regions, such as Rajasthan and Gujarat, face water scarcity, and groundwater becomes an important resource for sustenance.
The severity of groundwater depletion is a significant concern in recent decades. Over-exploitation and unsustainable use have led to a decline in the water table in many areas.
As per studies and reports, some of the important issues related to groundwater depletion include:
Falling Water Level:
Water table levels have dropped significantly in many parts of India, making it more challenging and expensive to access groundwater through wells.
Rising Energy Costs:
As water levels drop, more energy is required to pump water from deeper aquifers, increasing energy costs for farmers and water users.
Landslide:
In some areas, over-exploitation of groundwater has caused land subsidence or subsidence, leading to potential infrastructure damage and reduced land productivity.
Drying up of wells and springs:
In some areas, wells and springs, which were once reliable sources of water, have dried up due to over-exploitation and low recharge.
Impact on Agriculture:
Groundwater depletion affects agricultural productivity, as many farmers rely heavily on groundwater for irrigation.
Ecological Consequences:
Groundwater depletion can have negative effects on ecosystems and biodiversity that depend on stable groundwater levels.
A comprehensive approach is needed to address groundwater depletion, including water conservation measures, more efficient irrigation methods, artificial recharge, and stricter regulation of groundwater extraction. Sustainable management of groundwater resources is important to ensure their availability for future generations and to reduce the adverse effects of depletion on various aspects of life in India.
Question.
Describe the objectives and impact of the Atal Bhujal Yojana?
(UPPSC, UP PCS Mains General Studies-II/GS-2 2019)
Answer.
Atal Bhujal Yojana, also known as Atal Jal, is a central government scheme for sustainable groundwater management in India.
Atal Bhujal Yojana was launched by the Government of India in 2019 for five years. Rs 6000 crore has been allocated for this scheme and fifty percent of the fund comes from the World Bank.
The primary objectives of the Atal Bhujal Yojana are as follows:
Sustainable Ground Water Management:
One of the main objectives of the Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal) is to promote sustainable groundwater management practices in selected water-stressed areas in seven (7) states namely Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. ,
India is heavily dependent on groundwater for agricultural, industrial, and domestic purposes, which leads to over-exploitation and depletion of aquifers. The scheme seeks to address this issue by encouraging community-led sustainable groundwater management.
Participatory Approach:
Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal) follows a participatory approach, involving local communities and stakeholders in decision-making processes. It aims to empower and engage communities in the sustainable use and management of groundwater resources.
Demand-Side Management:
The scheme focuses on demand-side management rather than a top-down approach to regulation. It aims to promote efficient water use practices including water conservation and recharge measures at the local level.
Data-Driven Planning:
Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal) lays emphasis on data collection, monitoring and analysis of groundwater resources. This is essential for making informed decisions and implementing effective water management strategies.
Incentive Mechanism:
The scheme aims to provide financial incentives to participating communities to promote sustainable water management practices. These incentives can encourage communities to adopt more efficient water use practices and recharge measures.
Capacity building:
Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal) focuses on capacity building at various levels, including training and educating stakeholders about sustainable groundwater management practices. Building local capacity is critical to the long-term success of the scheme.
Effect of Atal Ground Water Scheme:
The expected impacts of the Atal Bhujal Yojana include:
Sustainable Ground Water Level:
By promoting better management practices and recharge measures, the scheme aims to arrest depleting groundwater levels and ensure a more sustainable water supply for various purposes.
Increase in Agricultural Productivity:
With better groundwater management, agricultural productivity is expected to increase as farmers have access to a more reliable and sustainable water source.
Reduction of water conflict:
Community participation and data-driven decision-making can help reduce conflicts over groundwater use, as stakeholders are involved in the process and can collectively manage the resource.
environmental benefits:
Replenishment of groundwater resources can have positive effects on the environment, including improving flow in rivers, protecting wetlands, and supporting ecosystems dependent on groundwater.
Economic Development:
Sustainable groundwater management can lead to better economic outcomes, especially in rural areas where agriculture is a significant contributor to the economy.
Climate Resilience:
The Atal Ground Water Scheme (Atal Jal) with emphasis on efficient water use and recharge measures can enhance climate resilience by mitigating the effects of water scarcity during droughts and other extreme weather events.
It is important to note that the real impact of the scheme depends on its successful implementation and cooperation between the government, local communities, and various stakeholders.
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