Groundwater Depletion in Maharashtra Increases by 47% Since 2015
A significant rise in groundwater depletion has been reported in Maharashtra, with the number of affected wells increasing by 47.8% compared to 2015.
The number of wells reporting groundwater depletion has risen from 2,246 in 2015 to 3,321 in 2023.
Marathwada and North Maharashtra are the most affected regions, with significant increases in depletion rates.
Over 768 water tankers are currently supplying water to rural areas due to severe drought conditions.
In Maharashtra, the latest data reveals a concerning 47.8% increase in the number of wells experiencing groundwater depletion compared to 2015, a year marked by drought. This alarming trend highlights the severe water stress the state is currently facing, attributed to a significant rainfall deficit this year.
Observation wells across various regions in Maharashtra are monitored to assess groundwater levels, which are crucial for drinking and irrigation, especially in rainfall-dependent areas. This year, approximately 85% of the state's talukas are affected by drought, exacerbating the water crisis.
According to a report presented to the state cabinet, the number of observation wells indicating groundwater depletion has surged from 2,246 in 2015 to 3,321 in 2023, marking an increase of 1,075 wells. The Groundwater Survey and Development Agency (GSDA) has classified this rise as significant. The highest number of affected wells is reported from Marathwada (862) and North Maharashtra (650), with notable increases in Nagpur (530) and Amravati (531).
The data further reveals that 964 observation wells have recorded groundwater depletion exceeding three meters, with the majority located in Marathwada (594) and North Maharashtra (160). Such a decline indicates imminent water shortages in these regions. The government considers groundwater depletion as a key indicator for declaring drought conditions, which has led to the deployment of 768 water tankers to rural areas, a 25.7% increase from the previous week.
As the monsoon season retreats, the latest figures show that ten districts in Maharashtra have experienced a rainfall deficit exceeding 40%. Solapur leads with a 53% deficit, followed closely by Nandurbar (51.3%) and Latur (51.2%). Other districts facing significant deficits include Kolhapur, Amravati, and Parbhani, highlighting the widespread impact of this year's inadequate rainfall on the state's water resources.
