In a silver lining, state sees rise in groundwater level by 5.8m

The 2024 post-monsoon groundwater fluctuation report highlights a notable improvement in the state's groundwater levels, with the average depth having improved from 28.83m during the pre-monsoon period to 23.01m post-monsoon, showing an average rise of 5.82m.

- Mukesh Mathrani

BARMER:

After several years of fluctuating levels, including sharp declines in some years, 2024 saw an impressive 5.82m rise, the highest increase in the past decade.

This improvement is primarily attributed to the favourable monsoon season, which brought above-average rainfall, along with the implementation of effective water conservation and management strategies across the state.

Areas that had long struggled with water scarcity, such as Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, and Bikaner, experienced remarkable recoveries, with some regions seeing rises of up to 14m.

This improvement highlights the positive impact of rainfall combined with the state's proactive approach to water recharge, offering hope for long-term water sustainability in this water-scarce region.

Speaking to HT, Rajasthan Groundwater Department's chief engineer Surajbhan Singh said that it is usual for post-monsoon groundwater levels to be higher compared to pre-monsoon levels. However, Singh emphasised that 2024 is significant in one way. "It has recorded a remarkable increase in groundwater levels, the highest in the past decade. This indicates that the efforts toward groundwater conservation are heading in the right direction."