Groundwater crisis worsens in Maharashtra after 2023 monsoon, affecting 16 districts
Groundwater levels in parts of Maharashtra have significantly depleted following the monsoon in 2023, exacerbating the ongoing water crisis in the state. According to the latest data from the Groundwater Survey and Development Agency (GSDA), 16 districts, including Shirur in Pune and Khandala in Satara, have experienced severe groundwater depletion.
Shirur, in Pune district, recorded a static water level of 5.41 meters below the ground surface in October 2023. This measurement indicates a substantial drop compared to the 10-year October average of 2.97 meters and even lower than the lowest recorded level of 4.91 meters in the past decade. Similarly, Khandala recorded a static water level of 3.56 meters below the ground surface, indicating a significant decline from the 10-year average of 2.01 meters.
The GSDA’s data highlights that Pune district has the highest number of blocks (9) showing groundwater depletion, followed by Jalna (7), Solapur (6), and Sangli (5). Officials attribute the depletion to sub-par monsoon conditions in 2023 and increased groundwater extraction for various purposes. In comparison to the last 10 years’ average October groundwater levels, a total of 54 talukas were declared drought-affected under GSDA’s Groundwater Drought Index. This number is a stark contrast to the mere four affected blocks in Maharashtra in October 2022.
While there are two blocks, Shirur and Khandala, showing severe groundwater depletion, seven blocks experience moderate depletion in October 2023. However, the GSDA official assured that apart from these 54 troubled blocks, the groundwater situation in other areas of the state remains within the normal range, as per the Groundwater Drought Index classification. In October 2023, a total of 3,688 observation wells were studied across Maharashtra, out of which 676 wells were in the drought-affected talukas. These study findings provide insight into the average water level in the observation wells of each block.
Discussing the reasons behind the groundwater depletion, Upendra Dhonde, a senior groundwater scientist from the Central Groundwater Board (CGWB), pointed out that the below-average monsoon in 2023 played a significant role. Additionally, the affected areas may have specific cropping patterns that require more water. For instance, areas like Baramati and Solapur received insufficient rainfall during the monsoon in 2023, and the water levels at the Ujjani dam were also not satisfactory. Consequently, water supply from the dam was restricted for farm use, leading farmers to extract more groundwater, especially for water-intensive crops like sugarcane.
The severity of the groundwater crisis in Maharashtra calls for immediate attention and sustainable solutions. The state government and relevant authorities must work towards implementing measures to conserve and manage groundwater resources effectively. Additionally, promoting water conservation practices and diversifying agricultural patterns can contribute to mitigating the depletion of this vital resource.
As the state grapples with an increasingly acute water crisis, it is crucial to address the underlying factors contributing to the depletion of groundwater levels. Only through collective efforts and long-term planning can Maharashtra secure a sustainable water future for its residents and the environment.
