Research has shown that the largest groundwater depletion in the world is happening in parts of northern India. Delhi is the epi-centre of this fast-developing crisis, and it’s getting worse by the day. Frequent pumping of water from the ground without waiting for its replenishment leads to quick depletion. Subsidies on electricity and high MSP for water-intensive crops are also leading reasons for the groundwater depletion. Increased demand for water for domestic, industrial and agricultural needs and limited surface water resources lead to the over-exploitation of groundwater resources are also adding on to the crisis, since the supply is very limited as opposed to the ever-increasing demand. 

The National Ministry of Water Resources’ Water Policy maintains the water planning systems of the country and the usage of water resources by the general public and the conservation of the water consumed on a regular basis.

The National Water Policy aims at suggesting that groundwater must be managed and preserved as an essential resource by the state. As per the public trust doctrine to direct growth and development while being mindful of sustainable development, protection of livelihood and fair and equitable usage. The policy further suggests that the surface water need to be used along with rainwater and groundwater, priority being given to the sources, quality and reliability of water and the source. Groundwater in India is not formally regulated, there is no restriction as to how much groundwater can be extracted. The Environment Protection Act, 1986 and the Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Act, 1974 are silent on aspects concerning pollution of Ground Water. There has not been the implementation of proper groundwater standards for groundwater safety and no record of groundwater table and samples that have been tested. The lack of regulation of groundwater calls for Central legislation which addresses the above issues. Moreover, when there is a mixing of fresh groundwater with the saltwater it contaminates the groundwater and makes it unfit for domestic usage. Groundwater faces major threats due to land subsidence in cities, this is coupled with the problem of the inadequate mapping of groundwater, to gauge groundwater hotspots and the red zones where groundwater levels are at an alarming rate. This is large because groundwater is invisible, being deep under the ground, one cannot fathom as to what extent is it been extracted or exploited. And the general notion is, what is out of sight, is usually out of mind! It is the ignorance, by both users and people in governance that has contributed to the situation to groundwater depletion and pollution.

This Article Does Not Intend To Hurt The Sentiments Of Any Individual Community, Sect, Or Religion Etcetera. This Article Is Based Purely On The Authors Personal Views And Opinions In The Exercise Of The Fundamental Right Guaranteed Under Article 19(1)(A) And Other Related Laws Being Force In India, For The Time Being.