Yes, India is the largest user of groundwater globally.
India holds the distinction of being the highest annual abstractor and consumer of groundwater. According to the reference provided, the exploitation of groundwater in India reached 244.92 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM) in 2020. This figure surpasses the combined groundwater consumption of both the USA and China.
This significant reliance on groundwater in India is primarily driven by its large agricultural sector, which accounts for the majority of water usage, especially for irrigation. Rapid urbanization and industrial growth also contribute to the increasing demand.
Understanding Groundwater Abstraction
Groundwater abstraction refers to the process of withdrawing water from underground aquifers. This water is then used for various purposes, including:
- Irrigation: Watering crops (the largest user globally and in India).
- Public Supply: Providing drinking water to communities.
- Industrial Use: Processes in manufacturing and production.
- Domestic Use: Household activities like bathing, cleaning, etc.
Comparison with Other Major Users
While the reference specifically highlights the comparison with the USA and China, it is useful to see how India's usage dwarfs that of other significant groundwater-using nations.
| Country | Estimated Annual Groundwater Abstraction (BCM) |
|---|---|
| India | ~245 (as of 2020) |
| USA | ~80 (as of recent estimates) |
| China | ~90 (as of recent estimates) |
Note: Figures for USA and China are approximate recent estimates for comparison based on various reports, contrasting with the specific 2020 figure provided for India.
As evident from the data points, India's groundwater consumption is substantially higher than that of the next largest users.
Impacts of High Groundwater Use
The extensive reliance on groundwater in India leads to several critical issues:
- Aquifer Depletion: Water is being withdrawn faster than it can be replenished naturally, leading to falling water tables.
- Water Quality Degradation: Over-extraction can cause saline water intrusion in coastal areas or mobilize contaminants in inland regions.
- Increased Pumping Costs: As water levels drop, more energy is required to pump water to the surface.
- Land Subsidence: In some areas, removing large volumes of groundwater can cause the ground surface to sink.
Addressing sustainable groundwater management is crucial for India to ensure long-term water security and environmental sustainability.
