Uncovering the Hidden Crisis: The Alarming Impact of Global Warming on Groundwater in Northeast India | Guwahati News
Guwahati: The northeast region’s annual extractable groundwater resource (AEGR) has seen a significant decline from 31.421 billion cubic metres (BCM) in 2020 to 29.114 BCM in 2023, as per data presented by the Union Jal Shakti ministry in Rajya Sabha. In Assam, the largest contributor, AEGR decreased from 21.966 BCM in 2020 to 20.93 BCM in 2023, largely due to uncontrolled extraction and climate change.
Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Raj Bhushan Choudhary, addressing queries from Digvijaya Singh, Phulo Devi Netam, and Imran Pratapgarhi, highlighted the broader decline across most northeastern states, although Arunachal Pradesh saw an increase from 2.916 BCM to 4.16 BCM in the same period. Manipur and Mizoram maintained stable groundwater levels.
To combat this trend, the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) introduced the Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater-2020, suggesting the construction of approximately 5.4 lakh structures in northeastern states. This initiative aims to enhance groundwater recharge through specific measures suited to various terrains.
Moreover, the CGWB has completed the National Aquifer Mapping (NAQUIM) Project, covering the 89,596 sq. km mappable area of the northeast. The resulting aquifer maps and management plans were shared with state agencies.
In addition, a Model Bill for groundwater regulation has been circulated among states and Union Territories to standardize legislation on groundwater development. Twenty-one states and Union Territories, including Assam and Nagaland, have enacted the legislation. The bill promotes rainwater harvesting in urban areas using structures like recharge pits and trenches.
The debate in Parliament also touched on local groundwater management policies, highlighting severe depletion in Haryana’s districts such as Gurgaon, where extraction rates have far outpaced natural recharge. Efforts continue across regions, including states like Goa, to refine and enforce groundwater management laws.
This comprehensive approach underscores the urgent need for groundwater conservation and the implementation of sustainable water management practices amid worsening extraction rates and climatic challenges.
Original Story https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/global-warming-impact-on-groundwater-in-northeast-india/articleshow/112302085.cms
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