Rate of groundwater recharge falls well below extraction for 1st time in recent years

New Delhi: There has been a significant improvement in the groundwater situation in Delhi, with the rate of extraction falling well below that of recharge for the first time in recent years, according to the latest report of Central Groundwater Board (CGWB).

The rate was 92.10% in 2024-25, indicating that more water was recharged than extracted. This marks a notable improvement from 100.77% in 2023-24, when extraction exceeded recharge. The rate has steadily declined over the past few years since it hit a worrying 119.6% in 2017-18, reflecting a gradual shift towards sustainability.

Groundwater extraction over 100% means more water is being extracted than it is being recharged; rates below 100% indicate more water is being recharged.

In absolute terms, Delhi extracted 0.32 billion cubic metres (bcm) of groundwater in 2024-25, while recharge was higher at 0.38 bcm. Of the total extraction, the residential sector accounted for 0.23 bcm, followed by .08 bcm used for irrigation.

The report also highlights improvements at the micro level. Out of the city’s 34 assessment units (tehsils), the number classified as ‘over-exploited’ or ‘critical’ dropped to 21 in 2024-25, down from 27 in 2023-24, even as ‘safe’ units increased from five to seven during the same period.

According to CGWB’s classification, 10 units (29.4%) are currently ‘over-exploited’, 11 (32.3%) fall under the ‘critical’ category, six (17.6%) are ‘semi-critical’ and seven (20.59%) are categorised as ‘safe’. In comparison, there were 14 over-exploited and 13 critical units in the previous financial year, underlining an improvement.

CGWB defines ‘safe’ zones as those where extraction is less than 70% of recharge, allowing groundwater levels to rise. In contrast, ‘over-exploited’ areas extract more than they recharge, leading to declining water tables.

Groundwater recharge in 2024-25 was fairly balanced across seasons. The monsoon (June to Sept) contributed .2 bcm, while the remaining .18 bcm came during other months. Rainfall accounted for .12 bcm, with the rest attributed to sources like canals, surface irrigation, ponds, tanks and rainwater-harvesting structures.

Experts attribute the positive trend to a mix of factors beyond just favourable rainfall. Shashank Shekhar, assistant professor at Delhi University, said improved recharge infrastructure and policy interventions are playing a key role.

“Better recharge cannot be attributed to a good monsoon alone. Effective recharge structures are essential, especially in a heavily concretised city like Delhi. At the same time, efforts to curb illegal groundwater extraction and provide piped water connections have contributed to the improvement,” he said.
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