Groundwater recharge declines while extraction increases in Karnataka

Groundwater levels are declining in Karnataka. A recent report reveals that groundwater recharge dropped from 18.93 billion cubic meters (bcm) in 2023 to 18.74 bcm in 2024. Meanwhile, the amount of groundwater that can be extracted has also decreased from 17.08 bcm to 16.88 bcm. However, the extraction rate has increased, going from 66.26% to 68.44%. In 2024, the regions with the highest groundwater extraction were Kolar at 193.35% and Bengaluru Urban at 186.70%. The current extraction is reported at 11.55 bcm or 68.44%. This year, Karnataka faced below-average rainfall, contributing to the groundwater issues. The report assessed 237 regions in the state. Of these, 45 are categorized as overexploited, 15 as critical, and 33 as semi-critical. Fortunately, none of the areas are classified under the ‘saline’ category. The state has a recharge-worthy area of about 170,730 square kilometers, with over 20% classified as overexploited. Experts link the declining groundwater levels to the widespread use of borewell technology since the 1970s. Initial regulations allowed extraction only from shallow aquifers, but later practices allowed deeper extraction. Some areas in Karnataka are now at risk of becoming desert-like. To address this crisis, experts suggest building sub-surface dykes on rivers and implementing various rainwater harvesting techniques. They emphasize the importance of water literacy and auditing to manage resources better. The districts with the highest groundwater extraction include Chickballapur, Bengaluru Rural, and Chitradurga, while Ballari reported the lowest extraction at 26.62%.