Groundwater depletion causes in india and possible solutions for sustainable agriculture and development

The irregularity in monsoon has severely affected the water availability at surface and sub-surface systems. Diminishing surface and sub-surface availability has not only decreased the water availability, but it additionally affected the ecosystem and increased disastrous situations like floods and droughts, resulting problems of stress on groundwater recharge. Groundwater recharge is a technique by which infiltrated water passes through the unsaturated region of groundwater and joins the water table. It is based upon soil type, land use, land cover, geomorphology, geophysical and climate (viz. rainfall, temperature, humidity etc.) characteristics of a region. Over the years, due to variations in weather pattern and overexploitation of aquifers groundwater recharge has decreased and groundwater level has reduced in the most parts of the country. This has led to severe water deficit problems in several parts of the country. This can be solved by different direct and indirect methods of groundwater recharge technology. This technology can reduce the wastage of water and enhance groundwater availability for uses in different sector like irrigation, domestic and industrial uses.The conversation around India’s diminishing groundwater sources is not new, but today due to the never-ending cycle of overuse and abuse of groundwater in the country, we have reached a critical point. With 16% of the world’s population and only 4% of the world’s freshwater resources, India has relied heavily on groundwater to meet its growing water demand for several decades. It is without a doubt that groundwater is a national lifeline in India. Inculcating the right mindset in people regarding usage and conservation of groundwater with focused and demonstrative education is essential. Ramifications for misuse of groundwater should also be introduced to make people; industries adhere to rules and processes.The major causes of ground water depletion are the followings: - (1) Agricultural crop pricing and water-intensive crops (2) Energy subsidies and groundwater extraction (3) Inadequate regulation of groundwater law (4) Expansion of irrigated agriculture in drylands (5) Population growth (6) Climate change (7) Overuse (8) Over extraction (over withdrawal) (9) Affluent lifestyle (10) Accelerated urbanization. (11) Lack of awareness of common people about groundwater wastage or overuse etc. The major solutions of ground water depletion causes are the followings: - (1) To limit water consumption in agriculture, the Commission on Price Policy for Kharif Crops (2015–16) has suggested setting quantitative restrictions on both water and power use per hectare. (2) Since water is a state subject, each state government is largely responsible for taking action to increase, conserve, and manage water resources effectively. (3) Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA): a time-limited initiative using a mission-mode strategy to enhance groundwater conditions in the water-stressed blocks of 256 districts in India. The “Jal Shakti Abhiyan is Catch the Rain” campaign. (4) Atal Bhujal Yojana: In the areas that have been identified as being overexploited and experiencing a water shortage, the Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY) scheme, which is co-funded by World Bank funding- is being implemented. (5) Restoring our natural water resources like ponds, lakes and water bodies will further help us in our endeavor against climate change while making a positive impact on our ecosystem. (6) Additionally, reforestation and afforestation programs help in maintaining the ecological balance and enhancing groundwater recharge. (7) Rainwater harvesting involves catching and storing rainwater before it reaches the ground. (8) Desalination: -One method that can actually increase the amount of freshwater on Earth is desalination, which involves removing dissolved salt and minerals from seawater or saline groundwater. (9) Groundwater governance process enable groundwater management, planning and policy implementation. (10) Digging sufficient numbers of ponds, ponds recharge the groundwater (11) Planning to plant more trees. (12) river-linking concept of India (13) An open/public database on all components of water resources could help policy makers and other stakeholders in proper management. (14). A major city-wide campaign is needed to aware the people on importance of groundwater proper use and need of groundwater conservation etc. The removal of causes of groundwater depletion, by possible solutions is need of the hour for sustainable agriculture, sustainable development of country and to save the present civilization.