Executive Brief
Groundwater depletion threatens India's food and water security as 62% of districts face critical or over-exploited groundwater levels, driven primarily by agricultural irrigation.
Key Takeaways
Groundwater depletion threatens India's food and water security as 62% of districts face critical or over-exploited groundwater levels, driven primarily by agricultural irrigation.
- 62% of districts report critical or over-exploited groundwater levels
- Agriculture accounts for 89% of total groundwater extraction
- Groundwater tables declining at 0.5 metres per year across north India
- Policy gaps in groundwater regulation persist despite multiple schemes
Key Numbers
62%Districts with Critical/Over-Exploited GroundwaterCGWB Annual Report 2025
89%Agriculture Share of Groundwater ExtractionCGWB
0.5 metres/yearAnnual Groundwater Decline Rate (North India)NASA-CGWB Study
Timeline
Groundwater Level Trends in North India (Metres Below Ground Level)
Drag to select a range to zoom in
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Government
Research
Evidence & Confidence Summary
88
Confidence Score
Strong Evidence