India’s Groundwater Resource Assessment Report 2024: Key Findings and Improvements

The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), in collaboration with State Groundwater Departments, has released the ‘National Compilation on Dynamic Ground Water Resources of India, 2024’, highlighting significant improvements in groundwater recharge and extraction trends across the country.

Key Highlights of the 2024 Report
• Total annual groundwater recharge increased by 15 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM) compared to the 2017 assessment.
• Groundwater extraction decreased by 3 BCM, indicating improved water conservation efforts.
• 81% of groundwater samples are suitable for irrigation, with 100% of samples from the North-Eastern states rated “excellent” for agricultural use.
• Recharge from tanks, ponds, and water conservation structures (WCS) continues to rise, increasing by 0.39 BCM in 2024 compared to the previous year.
• The percentage of “Safe” groundwater assessment units has improved, rising from 62.6% in 2017 to 73.4% in 2024.
• The percentage of Over-Exploited (OE) assessment units has declined from 17.24% in 2017 to 11.13% in 2024, reflecting better groundwater management strategies.

Positive Trends in Groundwater Conservation
The report indicates a steady improvement in groundwater availability and sustainability, driven by enhanced water conservation initiatives and increased rainwater harvesting efforts. The rise in safe assessment units and reduction in over-exploited zones underscore the effectiveness of government policies and community-driven water management practices.
The 2024 groundwater report serves as a crucial indicator of India’s progress in achieving sustainable water resource management, ensuring long-term water security for agriculture, industry, and domestic use.
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