What is the Central Groundwater Board (CGWB)

1. Introduction to CGWB

The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) is a scientific organization under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India. It is tasked with monitoring, exploring, and managing groundwater resources across the country.

Establishment: The CGWB was established in 1970 as an independent entity, evolving from the Exploratory Tubewells Organization (ETO) formed in 1954.

Headquarters: The CGWB is headquartered in Faridabad, Haryana, with regional and state offices across India.

Vision: To ensure the sustainable management of groundwater resources for current and future generations.

2. Mandate and Objectives of CGWB

The CGWB focuses on the scientific exploration, management, and conservation of groundwater resources. Its key objectives include:

Resource Assessment: Periodic assessment of groundwater availability and potential.
Monitoring: Establishing a comprehensive monitoring network to track groundwater levels and quality.
Regulation: Assisting in the implementation of policies and regulations for sustainable groundwater use.
Public Awareness: Promoting awareness about groundwater conservation and management.
Research and Development: Advancing scientific research related to groundwater hydrology.

3. Organizational Structure

The CGWB operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

Chairman: Heads the organization and oversees its functioning.
Regional Offices: The CGWB has 18 regional offices and several state units.
Divisional Offices: Focus on specific aspects like exploration, data collection, and quality assessment.
Technical Divisions: Include hydrogeology, geophysics, chemistry, and information systems.

4. Functions of CGWB

The CGWB performs a wide range of functions critical for groundwater management:

Groundwater Surveys and Assessment

Mapping aquifers and their potential.
Conducting periodic groundwater resource assessments at national and state levels.
Identifying over-exploited and critical areas requiring intervention.

Monitoring Groundwater Levels and Quality

Maintaining a nationwide network of monitoring wells.
Collecting and analyzing data on water table fluctuations and quality parameters.
Publishing reports such as the Dynamic Groundwater Resource Assessment.

Exploration and Development

Conducting exploratory drilling to locate aquifers.
Implementing artificial recharge techniques for groundwater augmentation.
Providing technical assistance for constructing tubewells and borewells.

Regulation and Policy Support

Assisting the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) in enforcing groundwater regulations.
Advising state governments on groundwater laws and sustainable practices.

Capacity Building and Public Awareness

Conducting training programs for stakeholders, including farmers, industries, and government officials.
Promoting water-saving technologies and rainwater harvesting.

5. Key Initiatives by CGWB

National Aquifer Mapping and Management (NAQUIM)

Objective: To map aquifers across India and develop strategies for their sustainable management.
Outcome: Provides scientific inputs for groundwater management plans and stakeholder participation.

Groundwater Estimation Committee (GEC) Reports

Periodic assessment reports of groundwater resources.
Helps classify regions based on the stage of groundwater development (safe, semi-critical, critical, and over-exploited).

Artificial Recharge to Groundwater

Promotes techniques like percolation tanks, check dams, and rooftop rainwater harvesting to replenish aquifers.

Groundwater Management and Regulation Scheme

Supports state governments in implementing groundwater management projects.
Funds initiatives for groundwater exploration and conservation.

Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY)

- Objective: To ensure sustainable groundwater management through community participation.
- Focus Areas: Over-exploited and water-stressed regions in Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.

6. Challenges in Groundwater Management

Despite its efforts, the CGWB faces several challenges in achieving sustainable groundwater management:

Over-Exploitation: Unregulated extraction for agriculture, industries, and domestic use.
Declining Water Tables: Alarming rates of groundwater depletion in many parts of India.
Quality Issues: Contamination from fluoride, arsenic, and industrial pollutants.
Climate Change: Variability in rainfall patterns affecting groundwater recharge.
Coordination: Need for better collaboration between central and state agencies.

7. Significance of CGWB for UPSC Aspirants

The CGWB’s activities align with several topics in the UPSC syllabus, making it an important subject for aspirants:

General Studies Paper I: Issues related to geography, such as water resources and their distribution.
General Studies Paper II: Policies and governance related to water management.
General Studies Paper III: Environment, conservation, and sustainable development.
Essay Paper: Themes on water crisis and sustainable resource management.

8. Government Policies and International Collaboration

National Water Policy (2012): Emphasizes groundwater management and the role of institutions like CGWB.
Jal Shakti Abhiyan: A campaign to promote water conservation and recharge.
Global Partnerships: Collaborations with international agencies for advanced technologies in groundwater management.

9. Sustainable Practices for Groundwater Conservation

Rainwater Harvesting: Capturing rainwater to recharge aquifers.
Drip Irrigation: Reducing water wastage in agriculture.
Community Participation: Involving local communities in water management decisions.
Urban Planning: Incorporating groundwater recharge zones into city planning.

Conclusion

The Central Ground Water Board is at the forefront of India’s efforts to tackle groundwater challenges, ensuring the sustainable use of this critical resource. For UPSC aspirants, the CGWB offers insights into governance, environmental conservation, and sustainable development. By studying its structure, functions, and initiatives, aspirants can develop a deeper understanding of water resource management, which is vital for addressing the growing water crisis in India.

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What is the Central Groundwater Board (CGWB)

1. Introduction to CGWB

2. Mandate and Objectives of CGWB

3. Organizational Structure

4. Functions of CGWB

The CGWB performs a wide range of functions critical for groundwater management:

Groundwater Surveys and Assessment

Mapping aquifers and their potential.

Conducting periodic groundwater resource assessments at national and state levels.

Identifying over-exploited and critical areas requiring intervention.

Monitoring Groundwater Levels and Quality

Maintaining a nationwide network of monitoring wells.

Collecting and analyzing data on water table fluctuations and quality parameters.

Publishing reports such as the Dynamic Groundwater Resource Assessment.

Exploration and Development

Conducting exploratory drilling to locate aquifers.

Implementing artificial recharge techniques for groundwater augmentation.

Providing technical assistance for constructing tubewells and borewells.

Regulation and Policy Support

Assisting the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) in enforcing groundwater regulations.

Advising state governments on groundwater laws and sustainable practices.

Capacity Building and Public Awareness

Conducting training programs for stakeholders, including farmers, industries, and government officials.

Promoting water-saving technologies and rainwater harvesting.

5. Key Initiatives by CGWB

National Aquifer Mapping and Management (NAQUIM)

Objective: To map aquifers across India and develop strategies for their sustainable management.

Outcome: Provides scientific inputs for groundwater management plans and stakeholder participation.

Groundwater Estimation Committee (GEC) Reports

Periodic assessment reports of groundwater resources.

Helps classify regions based on the stage of groundwater development (safe, semi-critical, critical, and over-exploited).

Artificial Recharge to Groundwater

Promotes techniques like percolation tanks, check dams, and rooftop rainwater harvesting to replenish aquifers.

Groundwater Management and Regulation Scheme

Supports state governments in implementing groundwater management projects.

Funds initiatives for groundwater exploration and conservation.

Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY)

Objective: To ensure sustainable groundwater management through community participation.

Focus Areas: Over-exploited and water-stressed regions in Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.

6. Challenges in Groundwater Management

7. Significance of CGWB for UPSC Aspirants

8. Government Policies and International Collaboration

9. Sustainable Practices for Groundwater Conservation

Conclusion

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