Ground Water Management for Viksit Bharat@204

Abstract

Groundwater is the invisible lifeline of India’s development — silently sustaining agriculture, industry, and domestic needs. Yet today, it stands at the center of a mounting crisis. Over-extraction, contamination, and climate change have pushed this vital resource to the brink in many parts of the country. As India envisions becoming a developed nation by 2047 (Viksit Bharat 2047), sustainable groundwater management will define the nation’s water security, food production, and environmental resilience. This book, 'Groundwater Management for Viksit Bharat @ 2047: Sustaining Life, Livelihoods, and Legacy', offers a comprehensive and practical overview of India’s groundwater scenario — from current status and depletion trends to innovative demand and supply management strategies. Drawing upon scientific evidence, national assessments, and decades of professional insight, Dr. R.C. Srivastava presents a lucid, policy-relevant, and forward-looking roadmap for achieving groundwater sustainability. The book is organized into four key chapters that address: The current status and overview of groundwater resources in India; The economic, social, and ecological impacts of depletion; Demand-side management through efficiency, conservation, and policy reform; and Supply-side strategies for recharge, and aquifer restoration. Beyond data and analysis, the book advocates a paradigm shift — from exploitation to stewardship, from sectoral interventions to integrated management, and from centralized governance to community participation. Written in an accessible yet authoritative style, this work will serve as an essential reference for policy-makers, planners, researchers, educators, and citizens committed to building a 'Jal Surakshit and Samriddh Bharat'. It is not just a book on water — it is a call to secure the very foundation of India’s future.