Scientists are recommending rainwater harvesting both in urban and rural areas as the perfect solution to stop the large-scale groundwater depletion in India. Researchers feel that the groundwater situation in many areas is alarming. Over the years, the demand has exceeded the supply, a situation that is expected to deplete the resources further.
India is the world’s largest user of groundwater. More than 80% of the population is dependent on groundwater for drinking and agricultural purposes. The Central Groundwater Board of India estimated that around 17% of groundwater aquifers in the country are over-exploited, which means the water extraction rate is higher than the water refill rate. Excessive use will lead to a severe depletion in groundwater resources, especially in the north-western, western, and southern peninsular regions. Another outcome of this issue is the increase in land subsidence.
Water-intensive crops is a major reason
With an objective to make India self-sufficient in food grain production, the Green revolution spearheaded by Dr. M. S. Swaminathan increased crop production. Though this has reduced the instances of famine but comes with a price of groundwater depletion and soil degradation. Farmers are dependent on the monsoon rain, canal, and groundwater for irrigation. The groundwater fulfills 80% and 60% requirements of drinking and irrigation water respectively. Research suggests that exponential growth in rice production is the major reason for depleting groundwater table.
Land subsidence in urban areas
One of the key takeaways from the analysis was that heavy groundwater depletion caused land subsidence, mainly in urban areas with high population densities. With ever-growing cities, the demand for groundwater far exceeds the supply, a situation that is expected to deplete the resources further. Unchecked, the situation will lead to a drastic rise in land subsidence, putting many lives in danger. The issues need to be addressed on an emergency basis and potential solutions have to be arrived at.
Touted to be the most acceptable and sustainable solution to alleviate water crisis issues across the country; rainwater harvesting will help in a big way in replenishing the groundwater table. The emergence of cutting-edge rainwater harvesting system providers like AquaStar has made RWH structures more sturdy and resourceful. Using innovative and state-of-the-art RWH products, AquaStar is revolutionizing the way rainwater is harvested in India. Explore more at www.aquarain.in