National
05 Apr, 2026
India accounts for 25% of global groundwater use, says committee, flags over-extraction
Business To Business, New Delhi, 05 April 2026: India’s heavy dependence on groundwater has once again come under scrutiny, with the Public Accounts Committee highlighting the scale of extraction and urging corrective action.
In its 41st report, “Ground Water Management and Regulation,” presented in the Lok Sabha by chairperson K. C. Venugopal (and also tabled in the Rajya Sabha), the panel noted:
- India accounts for ~25% of global groundwater withdrawals, making it the largest user worldwide.
- Annual groundwater extraction is estimated at 245 billion cubic metres (BCM).
- Groundwater supports:
- ~80% of drinking water needs
- ~64% of irrigation requirements
Key Concern
The committee flagged
over-extraction as a serious issue and called on the Ministry of Jal Shakti to work with states to
curb unsustainable usage.
Why it matters
Such high dependence, especially for agriculture and drinking water, puts pressure on aquifers, leading to:
- Falling water tables
- Reduced water quality
- Long-term risks to food and water security
The report essentially underscores the urgent need for
better regulation, conservation practices, and state-level enforcement to ensure sustainable groundwater management across India.