India received 759.4 mm of monsoon rain, 12.6% below normal. El Niño and above-normal temperatures could further strain water availability
India extracted 247.22 BCM of groundwater in 2025, or 60.63% of its available extractable resources. Agriculture accounts for nearly 87% of extraction
The 2025 assessment classified 730 groundwater assessment units as over-exploited, where extraction exceeds replenishment
The Punah Bharan app uses geospatial data to identify artificial groundwater recharge zones and recommend structures suited to local conditions
A Ramganga basin study found existing recharge programmes added only 2.5-7.5% of rainfall recharge to groundwater storage in 2023
Micro-irrigation, crop diversification, assured procurement and farmer support must complement recharge efforts to secure India's groundwater reserves