On December 31, 2024, the Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri CR Patil, released the Annual Groundwater Quality Report for India, prepared by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB). This information is the first of its kind to use a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for groundwater quality monitoring, ensuring consistency in data collection and analysis across the country.
The report provides a thorough look at India’s groundwater quality, using data from over 15,200 monitoring locations and 4,982 trend stations. This helps to understand how groundwater quality changes over time and across different regions of the country. The information is meant to guide policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders in managing groundwater more effectively.
The report found that most groundwater in India is of the Calcium-Bicarbonate type, meaning calcium is the most common mineral found in the water, followed by sodium and potassium. For anions, bicarbonate is the most common, followed by chloride and sulphate.
However, the report also highlighted that some regions are dealing with contamination from nitrates, fluoride, and arsenic. Seasonal changes, such as the monsoon rains, were found to have a positive effect on improving water quality in some areas.
From an agricultural perspective, over 81% of groundwater samples are safe for irrigation, meaning farmers can use this water for crops without causing harm. But in some areas, high levels of sodium and other minerals could affect soil quality, so careful management is needed.
One very positive finding is that groundwater in the north-east states of India is of excellent quality for irrigation, with 100% of samples meeting the best standards.
This report is an important tool for improving how India manages its groundwater resources. By identifying areas that need attention, it helps decision-makers plan for better water use and address contamination issues. The data will also guide efforts to ensure that groundwater remains available and safe for future generations.
The release event was attended by senior government officials, including Ms. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary of the Department of Water Resources, Shri Subodh Yadav, Additional Secretary (A, IC & GW), and Dr. Sunil Kumar Ambast, Chairman of CGWB.
This report is an important step towards more sustainable use of groundwater in India and will help shape future policies for water management.(PR)