According to the Central Ground Water Board’s dynamic groundwater resource assessment for 2025, both Mau and Balia districts fall within the ‘safe’ category for groundwater extraction, with no district in eastern Uttar Pradesh classified as over-exploited or critical. While isolated pockets show the presence of arsenic, groundwater across the region remains largely potable.

Water being a State subject, the responsibility for managing groundwater sustainably rests primarily with State Governments. The Centre supplements these efforts through technical and financial support under various schemes. Since 2019, Jal Shakti Abhiyan has been implemented as a mission-mode programme promoting water harvesting and artificial recharge through convergence of ongoing initiatives. The Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari campaign, launched recently by the Prime Minister, further encourages community-led rainwater harvesting tailored to local needs.

CGWB continues to monitor groundwater levels and quality under the Ground Water Management and Regulation scheme. Following the completion of NAQUIM 1.0, the Board has launched NAQUIM 2.0, focusing on water-stressed and quality-affected areas. Mission Amrit Sarovar has also supported groundwater recharge, with nearly 69,000 water bodies rejuvenated nationwide.

Groundwater quality data—including arsenic concentrations—is routinely shared through reports and alerts for early action. Most groundwater-management activities are undertaken through convergence with State and Central schemes such as MGNREGS and PMKSY, with natural-resource management works constituting a major portion of MGNREGS expenditure.

Efforts to provide safe drinking water to all rural households are driven through Jal Jeevan Mission – Har Ghar Jal. Uttar Pradesh has been allocated Rs 608.16 billion as Central share since 2019, with States permitted to utilise up to 2 per cent of funds for water-quality surveillance. BIS:10500 standards have been adopted for tap-water quality, and States receive additional weightage for contamination-affected habitations. A national framework for water-quality monitoring has been implemented, supported by over 2,180 laboratories and trained village-level volunteers using field test kits. States have also been advised to install community water purification plants in affected areas.

CGWB has developed a cement sealing technology for accessing deeper, arsenic-free aquifers. To date, 525 arsenic-safe wells have been constructed nationwide, including 294 in Uttar Pradesh, with three in Mau and 53 in Balia. The Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam has adopted this technique extensively, constructing 204 arsenic-safe wells across nine districts, benefiting around 0.5 million people.