New Delhi, Jan 6 || India’s total annual groundwater recharge recorded a significant increase of 15 billion cubic metres (BCM) in 2024, while extraction decreased by 3 BCM compared to the 2017 assessment, in a landmark achievement for the country’s sustainable development goal, according to a report released by the Ministry of Jal Shakti on Monday.
The increased recharge, mainly due to water bodies, tanks, and conservation structures, shows improvements in groundwater conditions in 128 units compared to 2023.
The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), in collaboration with state Groundwater Departments, releases annual reports on groundwater resources.
According to the National Compilation on Dynamic Ground Water Resources of India, 2024, the total annual groundwater recharge is assessed at 446.90 billion cubic metres (BCM), with an extractable resource of 406.19 BCM and an annual extraction of 245.64 BCM.
The year 2024 has seen positive advancements in several key areas, with notable highlights including recharge from tanks, ponds and WCSs (water control systems) has shown a consistent increase in the last five assessments. In the year 2024, it has increased by 0.39 BCM with respect to 2023.