North India Loses 450 Cubic Km of Groundwater in 2 Decades: Study
ECONOMY & POLICY

North India Loses 450 Cubic Km of Groundwater in 2 Decades: Study

North India has experienced a significant depletion of groundwater, losing nearly 450 cubic kilometres over the past two decades, according to a recent study. This alarming trend raises concerns about the sustainability of water resources in the region, which is heavily reliant on groundwater for agricultural, industrial, and domestic use.

The study, conducted by a team of researchers using satellite data, highlights that the primary cause of this depletion is the over-extraction of groundwater for irrigation purposes. The Green Revolution, which transformed Indian agriculture in the 1960s and 1970s, led to increased groundwater extraction to support high-yield crop varieties. However, the continuous overuse of this vital resource has resulted in a severe decline in groundwater levels.

The consequences of this depletion are far-reaching. Lower groundwater levels lead to reduced water availability for crops, affecting agricultural productivity and potentially threatening food security. Additionally, the over-extraction of groundwater can cause land subsidence, reduced river flows, and degraded water quality, further impacting the environment and human health.

The study's findings underscore the urgent need for sustainable water management practices in North India. Researchers recommend measures such as promoting water-efficient irrigation techniques, rainwater harvesting, and the adoption of crop varieties that require less water. Policymakers and stakeholders must collaborate to implement these solutions and ensure the long-term availability of groundwater resources.

In conclusion, the loss of nearly 450 cubic kilometers of groundwater in North India over the past two decades is a critical issue that demands immediate attention and action. Sustainable water management practices are essential to preserve this precious resource for future generations.

North India has experienced a significant depletion of groundwater, losing nearly 450 cubic kilometres over the past two decades, according to a recent study. This alarming trend raises concerns about the sustainability of water resources in the region, which is heavily reliant on groundwater for agricultural, industrial, and domestic use. The study, conducted by a team of researchers using satellite data, highlights that the primary cause of this depletion is the over-extraction of groundwater for irrigation purposes. The Green Revolution, which transformed Indian agriculture in the 1960s and 1970s, led to increased groundwater extraction to support high-yield crop varieties. However, the continuous overuse of this vital resource has resulted in a severe decline in groundwater levels. The consequences of this depletion are far-reaching. Lower groundwater levels lead to reduced water availability for crops, affecting agricultural productivity and potentially threatening food security. Additionally, the over-extraction of groundwater can cause land subsidence, reduced river flows, and degraded water quality, further impacting the environment and human health. The study's findings underscore the urgent need for sustainable water management practices in North India. Researchers recommend measures such as promoting water-efficient irrigation techniques, rainwater harvesting, and the adoption of crop varieties that require less water. Policymakers and stakeholders must collaborate to implement these solutions and ensure the long-term availability of groundwater resources. In conclusion, the loss of nearly 450 cubic kilometers of groundwater in North India over the past two decades is a critical issue that demands immediate attention and action. Sustainable water management practices are essential to preserve this precious resource for future generations.

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