Ground water levels are decreasing: Govt

The ground water levels in various parts of the country are declining and the state governments have been advised to take suitable remedial measures in this regard, the government told the Lok Sabha today.
Replying to a question, Minister of State for Water Resources Santosh Kumar Gangwar said the comparison of ground water data, as monitored by the Central Ground Water Board, for the pre-monsoon 2013 with decadal mean of the monsoon (2003-2012) indicates that 56 per cent of the wells show a decline in ground water level.
"As per the latest assessment (2011), out of 6,607 assessment units (blocks/mandala/talukas/districts) in the country, 1,071 units falling in 15 states and 2 Union Territories have been categorised as 'over-exploited', based inter-alia, on declining ground water level," he said.

The minister also said the state governments have been advised to take suitable remedial measures to check ground water exploitation and ensure recharge of aquifers in water- stressed areas.