Artificial Recharge and Sustainable Management of Groundwater

Photo: Prasad

Abstract: With the increase in demand, withdrawal of groundwater has increased manifold over past few decades resulting in the long-term decline in groundwater levels. A higher rate of withdrawal over several years with heavy pumping coupled with rapid urbanisation has reduced the natural recharge of aquifers. Rainwater harvesting and guiding the non committed surface runoff to a depleted aquifer are ideal solutions for mitigating the problem.

The authors are Regional Director, Scientist C, Scientist B and Scientist C, respectively; Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), North Central Chhattisgarh Region. Email: kcnaik1960@yahoo.co.in. Photo credit: Chhattisgarh Tourism