Solutions to Groundwater Crisis
Important solutions to address the groundwater crisis include:
- Immediate restrictions should be imposed on the access of groundwater in areas that are often identified as “critical” or “dark zones”, where the water use is either overused or low.
- Need to treat water as common resources rather than private property.
- Issues related to water such as waterlogging, salinity, agricultural toxins, etc. should be addressed.
- Certain research should be done before forming any policies.
Ground Water Crisis in India
New research has shown that in the worldwide context, parts of northern India are facing rapid groundwater depletion. The epicentre of this crisis is Delhi. Groundwater refers to the water which seeps through the thick rocks and soil and is stored in the ground of the earth the rocks in which the groundwater is stored are known as aquifers, which are made of gravel, sand, and limestone.
Groundwater is supporting the livelihoods of over 26 crores of farmers and agricultural families in India and also accounts for more important water sources in India and accounts for 63% of all irrigational water and over 80% of rural as well as urban supply of water in India. Dug wells, shallow tube wells, and also deep tube wells provide water for irrigation.