George Rajkumar, Country President, Grundfos India explains the critical aspects to accelerate measures to recharge groundwater.

As depleting groundwater levels continue to become a threat to a water-secure future, it becomes crucial for India to accelerate measures to recharge groundwater. This calls for a policy-level implementation in addressing unauthorised and irresponsible extraction of groundwater. George Rajkumar, Country President, Grundfos India highlights some key aspects in this area.

 “As we observe World Water Day 2022 to focus on the judicious use of freshwater resources, this year’s theme of ‘Groundwater- making the invisible visible’ highlights the need to protect this critical resource from being over exploited. In February 2022, the Indian government noted a decline in groundwater levels across 30% of wells monitored in the country. Given that groundwater is a national lifeline in India for all of us and especially the rural communities and agricultural sector, it is important that we preserve and replenish this diminishing resource.

The need of the hour is intervention programs, for instance a National Groundwater Renewal Mission that will combine science and traditional methods of water conservation to recharge India’s groundwater. Such a renewal mission should exclusively focus on last mile implementation of ambitious programs like smart water meter installation, making efficient solar pumps available to farmers, mandatory adoption of recharging wells for farmlands, rainwater harvesting and watershed management. Most importantly, intervention programs will need to educate consumers on the need to preserve groundwater resources. Through a holistic framework, strengthened policy and a collective approach across local and national levels, India can strengthen its groundwater resources and make the country water secure for future generations.”