Groundwater Recharge Improves Slightly in 2025, But One-Fourth of India Still Faces Severe Stress
India has witnessed a slight improvement in its groundwater recharge this year, thanks to a more robust monsoon season. However, the country's groundwater situation remains precarious, with nearly a quarter of its territory still facing severe stress.
According to the 2025 report by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), the country's groundwater recharge has seen a modest increase compared to the previous year. The CGWB attributes this improvement to the better-than-expected monsoon rains, which replenished aquifers across the country. Despite this, the country's groundwater situation remains critical, with many regions continuing to experience severe depletion.
The CGWB report highlights that 23% of India's groundwater assessment units (GWAs) are facing severe stress, while 33% are facing moderate stress. Only 44% of the GWAs are classified as having a 'safe' or 'satisfactory' level of groundwater availability.
The regions most affected by groundwater stress are the northern and western parts of the country, which have been experiencing drought-like conditions for several years. The CGWB has identified the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Punjab as the worst-hit, with groundwater levels dropping alarmingly in these areas.
Experts warn that the continued over-extraction of groundwater, coupled with the impacts of climate change, poses significant risks to the country's food security and economic stability. The Indian government has launched initiatives to promote water conservation and efficient use of groundwater, but much work remains to be done to address the pressing issue of groundwater depletion in the country.
