2 Groundwater management

Groundwater is sometimes called

an invisible resource. Everybody uses

it. It is mostly free, available to those

with access and the means to extract

it. It sustains critical ecosystems, such

as lakes, wetlands, and woods. It is,

however, largely invisible and users

have no knowledge about aquifers

that yield the groundwater they use,

and what constitutes sustainable and

equitable usage of this common-pool

resource.

🔰🔰🔰The Indian context🔰🔰🔰🔰

India is the largest user of

groundwater in the world, using more

than a quarter of the available global

resources. Groundwater has played

an important role in ensuring the food

security of the country. It was a major

driver in ensuring the success of the

'Green Revolution through millions

of energised tube wells. This finite

resource currently caters to more than

60 per cent of irrigated agriculture,

85% of rural drinking water supply.

and more than 50% of urban water

supply

Increasing and unsustainable

extraction of groundwater has

resulted in significant depletion, with

consequent adverse environmental

impact. From the large-scale loss of

livelihoods to health issues related to

lack of availability of safe drinking