India’s dynamic groundwater resources continue to remain largely within sustainable limits, with the stage of groundwater extraction assessed at 60.63 per cent in 2025, according to the latest national assessment jointly carried out by the Central Ground Water Board and state governments.

As per the assessment, total annual groundwater recharge in the country stands at 448.52 billion cubic metres (BCM), while annual extractable groundwater resources are estimated at 407.75 BCM. Total annual groundwater extraction for all uses, including irrigation, domestic and industrial consumption, has been assessed at 247.22 BCM.

Out of 6,762 assessment units across the country, 73.14 per cent fall under the ‘safe’ category. However, 10.80 per cent of units have been classified as over-exploited, where extraction exceeds annual recharge. Another 2.97 per cent are categorised as critical, 11.21 per cent as semi-critical, while 1.88 per cent units are affected by salinity.

The assessment also highlights the impact of sustained water conservation efforts. Post-monsoon analysis for 2024 indicates that 54.4 per cent of monitored wells across the country recorded a rise in groundwater levels compared to the mean of the previous five years. District-level analysis showed notable improvements in areas such as Palghar in Maharashtra, where 80 per cent of wells recorded rising water levels.

The government’s groundwater management strategy is supported through initiatives such as Jal Shakti Abhiyan, Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari, Atal Bhujal Yojana and the Ground Water Management and Regulation scheme. National Aquifer Mapping has been completed across the country’s entire mappable area of around 2.5 million sq km, and district-wise aquifer management plans have been shared with state and district administrations.

The update was shared in Parliament by Raj Bhushan Choudhary, reaffirming the Centre’s role in supporting states through technical guidance, regulatory measures and large-scale community-driven groundwater conservation programmes.