GroundWater ,a serious concern for Indians by 2020- World Bk report

With the growing number of aquifers in India reaching unsustainable levels of exploitation, about 60% of them will be in a critical condition within 20 years if the current trend continues, says a World Bank report released on Friday.

This will have serious implications on the sustenance of agriculture, long-term food security, livelihoods and economic growth. Over a quarter of the country’s harvest is estimated to be at risk.

The World Bank in its findings called, “Report on Deep Wells and Prudence: Towards Pragmatic Action for addressing Groundwater Overexploitation in India”, has called for an urgent need to change the status quo.


The key issues identified in the report state India is the largest user of groundwater in the world and uses an estimated 230 cubic km groundwater per year - over a quarter of the total globally. More than 60% of irrigated agriculture and 85% of drinking water supplies are dependent on groundwater.