Delhi Reduces Groundwater Extraction from 127% to 99% in a Decade
The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that groundwater extraction in Delhi has significantly decreased from 127% in 2013 to 99% in 2023. This reduction is part of broader efforts to address water scarcity and improve groundwater management across India.
The NGT had earlier taken suo motu cognisance of a report from the United Nations predicting critically low groundwater availability in several regions of India by 2025. In response, the CGWA has outlined the measures taken in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) to curb excessive extraction and enhance groundwater levels. These measures include the promotion of artificial recharge, rainwater harvesting, sustainable agricultural practices, and community participation. According to the CGWA’s action-taken report submitted in January 2025, the reduction in groundwater extraction across many states and Union Territories (UTs) shows positive signs of improvement. The reduction in Delhi’s extraction rate, from 127% to 99%, highlights the progress made in managing groundwater resources more sustainably in the National Capital Territory (NCT). Furthermore, groundwater recharge from various sources has increased significantly, rising from 146.42 billion cubic metres (BCM) in 2013 to 170.4 BCM in 2023. This increase in recharge is a crucial step in reversing the trend of declining water levels in many parts of the country.
In addition, the overall groundwater extraction rate in India has reduced from 62.7% in 2013 to 59% in 2023, indicating that national efforts are yielding results. However, the CGWA has acknowledged that some states are still facing higher-than-recommended extraction rates, which poses a challenge to the sustainability of water resources. One of the key challenges in water management has been the illegal extraction of groundwater. The CGWA reported that it collected around Rs 41.74 crore in environmental compensation from violators involved in illegal groundwater extraction activities across the country. The authority is also addressing contamination issues by constructing arsenic-safe and fluoride-free wells in states like West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
Additionally, the report highlighted positive changes in water table levels across various states. Notably, water levels in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh have seen a 50% increase, while Kerala and Tamil Nadu experienced 74% and 72% increases, respectively. In Gujarat and West Bengal, the water table levels rose by 61% and 59%, respectively, reflecting the success of groundwater recharge initiatives. The CGWA continues to monitor groundwater levels quarterly through a network of approximately 27,000 monitoring wells across India. Despite the challenges, the CGWA remains optimistic that coordinated efforts with state governments will further help restore groundwater levels and ensure sustainable water availability in the future. In light of a recent United Nations study, which predicted critically low groundwater availability in parts of the Indo-Gangetic basin by 2025, the CGWA’s efforts take on even greater significance. By implementing measures that promote responsible extraction and enhance recharge capabilities, the government hopes to mitigate the risks of severe water scarcity in the coming years.
