21st July 2023: Groundwater depletion is having serious consequences on communities around the world, and has also started to cause severe issues in the state of West Bengal. The groundwater levels across Gangetic basin of Bengal have been declining due to over-extraction of ground water and lack of proper usage.
A study was released by SwitchON Foundation on World Water Day indicating the distressing situation of groundwater depletion in West Bengal. The report highlights that groundwater depletion is leading to reduced water availability, in regions that rely on underground reserves as their primary source of freshwater. This is leading to an increase in competition for scarce resources and worsening water scarcity in already dry regions.
Overall, the study emphasises the urgent need for better management and conservation of groundwater resources. The report recommends implementing policies to regulate the use of underground water extraction, adopting technology and practices for water conservation and water use efficiency , promotion of water-resistant crops like millets and other indigenous rice varieties, and shifting from high-water consumption crops. Failure to act could have severe consequences for the environment and communities around the world.
Working towards the conservation of the environment as a whole, SwitchON Foundation has launched their Empowering Energy, Water and Agriculture wing (EEWA) to promote green energy, climate smart agriculture and water conservation.
Looking at the appalling data, Vinay Jaju, Managing Director, SwitchON Foundation said, “It’s very alarming the way groundwater is getting depleted. We have technology solutions and with awareness and change in habits – we have to work on conserving water on a war footing mode. We need to take immediate action to conserve our most precious resource”.
The groundwater level data of the pre monsoon season over a period of five years starting from the year 2017 to 2021 released by the Central Ground Water Board was used to understand the status of groundwater in regions of West Bengal which are a part of the Ganga basin. The districts included in the study are Murshidabad, Nadia, Burdwan, Hooghly, Howrah, Kolkata, South 24 Parganas, North 24 Paragnas and Purba Medinipur.
Research Findings:
- The water table level fluctuation from a five years average (2017-2021) showed that there was a water table level decline by 2.53 m (-27.8%) in South 24 Paragnas, 2.12m (-18.6%) in Kolkata and -0.29m (-2.53%) in Purva Midnapore and for the other districts the water level was not decreasing.
- This shows there is sustained abstraction of groundwater in these three districts, and annual rainfall recharge is not sufficient to maintain the groundwater level
- A basic forecast done, with the depth to water level data for the pre monsoon season for five years (2017-2021) was done and the findings showed that in Kolkata there could be a reduction of 44% water table level in 2025.
A basic forecast done based on the above findings which showed that in Kolkata there could be a reduction of 44% water table level in 2025.
| District | Water table depth*
2021 |
AverageWater table depth (m) | Water table level (m) | % decreased from 5 years average |
| Kolkata | 13.52 | 11.40 | -2.12 | (-19%) |
| S 24 Paragnas | 11.67 | 9.13 | -2.54 | (-28%) |
| Purba Medinipur | 11.79 | 11.49 | -0.29 | (-2.5%) |
*From the ground level in what distance we can see the groundwater. When the number is increasing , it shows water is found at deeper level
Recommendations
- Conservation of traditional wetland to be protected for effective ground water recharge.
- Desiltation/dredging of surface water bodies like streams, rivers and canals for better percolation and recharge of aquifers during monsoons.
- Rejuvenation of dried up/deteriorated traditional water storage units like ponds, tanks etc.
- Artificial recharge structures should be constructed based on a research of aquifer characteristics.
- Massive awareness programmes must be done for promoting sustainable use of water, avoiding water wastages in agriculture and domestic sectors, also during supply and distribution etc.
- Integrated approach for water conservation.
- Assess the existing policies, Acts and schemes related to water conservation for their effectiveness.
The assessment shows that there is sustained abstraction of ground water in Kolkata and the water table level is lowering consistently. Baseline study of all active groundwater sources, suggests relevant policy recommendations.
Media Dossier
Contact: Vinay Jaju | M: +91 9331178105 | Email: VJ@SwitchON.org.in
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