Land subsidence due to groundwater exploitation in India

Problems

• Land subsidence due to groundwater exploitation in India

  Recent studies suggest that groundwater levels are declining in several parts of northern India, especially in regions of high population densities.
  
  Studies also suggest that with the falling of groundwater levels, there has been a fall in the quality of groundwater levels in India as well
  
  Estimates say that 85% of the rural and 50% of the urban population in India is dependent on groundwater to fulfill their needs.
  
  By annually drawing 251 billion cubic meters of groundwater, India tops the list of the top 10 groundwater-extracting countries and is the largest user of the precious liquid from the bowels of the earth.
  
  India is one of 17 countries facing extremely high water stress, according to a report by the World Resources Institute. 
  
  More than 1,000 blocks in India have become water-stressed.
  
  As per CWMI (Composite Water Management Index) by NITI Aayog, the water demand will exceed the supply by 2050.
  
  54 percent of India’s groundwater wells are declining – said to the report.
  
  About 40% of India’s population possibly would have no access to drinking water by 2030.
  
  Land subsidence poses various threats, including damage to infrastructure such as buildings and roads, increased risk of flooding, and changes in the landscape. It can also impact the availability and quality of groundwater.

• Causes by land subsidence due to groundwater exploitation in India

  Land subsidence due to groundwater exploitation is a significant environmental issue in various parts of India. The problem is primarily attributed to excessive extraction of groundwater for agricultural, industrial, and domestic purposes. 
  
  Land subsidence in India is associated with:
  
  ● Introduction of Tubewells:
  The widespread use of tube wells began in the mid-20th century as part of the Green Revolution in India. Tubewells allowed for more efficient and controlled extraction of groundwater for agricultural irrigation.
  
  ● Rapid Agricultural Expansion:
  With the Green Revolution, there was a rapid increase in agricultural activities, and farmers heavily relied on groundwater for irrigation to enhance crop yields.
  
  ● Unsustainable Groundwater Extraction:
  Due to the absence of proper regulations and monitoring, many areas experienced unsustainable extraction of groundwater. Farmers often overdrew from aquifers, leading to a significant drop in groundwater levels.
  
  ● Over-Exploitation in Urban Areas:
  Urban areas also contribute to land subsidence as they extract groundwater for industrial and domestic purposes. Rapid urbanization, population growth, and industrial development have exacerbated the problem.
  
  ● Lack of Regulation and Monitoring:
  Historically, there has been a lack of stringent regulations and effective monitoring mechanisms to control groundwater extraction. This has allowed for over-exploitation without adequate checks and balances.