The report presents the dynamic groundwater resources of India based on Groundwater Estimation Committee (GEC 97) report with base year as 2004. It identifies the areas where groundwater development is at low key and the areas where groundwater development is alarmingly high. The estimation for the individual state was jointly done by the groundwater wing of the State Government and the concerned Regional Office of the Central Groundwater Board.
The country is endowed with groundwater resources, whose utilization in a planned manner on scientific principles will enhance its prospects for the years to come. Periodic assessment of groundwater resource, using advanced methodology therefore assumes significance.
In addition to the dynamic groundwater resource, there exists a huge groundwater resource in the deeper parts of the unconfined aquifers below the active recharge zone and also in the deeper confined aquifers in the areas covered by alluvial sediments. The dynamic groundwater exploited from the shallow aquifer contributes significantly in meeting the water demand of various sectors and hence its precise assessment on scientific basis is of utmost importance.
As per the norms detailed in the Groundwater Estimation Committee report of 1997 (GEC 97) groundwater assessment was made season-wise separately. Categorization of areas for groundwater development is based on stage of groundwater development and long term trends of groundwater levels.
The present report will go a long way to help the planners and executors, in the groundwater sector to formulate future groundwater development and management plans in the country.