The year 2024 saw the total annual groundwater recharge experiencing a significant increase of 15 BCM (billion cubic meters), while extraction decreased by 3 BCM compared to the 2017 assessment.

This progress underscores the importance of understanding availability, usage, and the challenges to groundwater ahead. In addition to this,the total annual groundwater recharge is assessed at 446.90 BCM, with an extractable resource of 406.19 BCM and an annual extraction of 245.64 BCM.

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According to the annual report on groundwater resources released by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), in collaboration with State Groundwater Departments, the increased recharge, mainly due to water bodies, tanks, and conservation structures, shows improvements in groundwater conditions in 128 units compared to 2023. The ‘National Compilation on Dynamic Ground Water Resources of India, 2024’ offers a comprehensive state-wise overview, serving as a foundation for effective policies and management strategies.

The report says the year 2024 has seen positive advancements in several key areas, with notable highlights. Some of these highlights show that total Annual GW Recharge has increased (15 BCM) substantially and extraction has declined (3 BCM) in 2024 from 2017 assessment. Recharge from tanks, ponds and WCS (Water Control System) has shown a consistent increase in the last five assessments.

In the year 2024, it increased by 0.39 BCM w.r.t. 2023. In 2017 saw an increase of 11.36 BCM in recharge from tanks, ponds & WCS (from 13.98 BCM in 2017 to 25.34 BCM in 2024). The percentage of assessment units under the safe category have increased from 62.6% in 2017 to 73.4 % in 2024. The percentage of over exploited assessment units has declined from 17.24 % in 2017 to 11.13 % in 2024.

Maintaining groundwater quality is just as crucial as its recharge for sustainable water management. Key pollutants such as Arsenic, Fluoride, Chloride, Uranium, and Nitrate pose serious health risks, either through direct toxicity or long-term exposure. Additionally, Elevated Electrical Conductivity (EC) can indicate contamination from agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, or saline intrusion, while Iron contamination may lead to gastrointestinal issues, highlighting the importance of careful water quality monitoring.

To assess the critical areas impacted by contamination, the Annual Groundwater Quality Report for 2024 offers a comprehensive analysis of groundwater quality across India, drawing insights from data collected at over 15,200 monitoring locations and 4,982 trend stations. The report emphasizes the importance of not only preserving groundwater but also ensuring its quality for effective, long-term water management.

The report further reveals that 81% of groundwater samples are suitable for irrigation, with 100% of groundwater samples from the North-Eastern states being rated “excellent” for irrigation, underscoring the favorable conditions for agriculture in the region.