Groundwater levels across Nagpur district’s 13 talukas have declined by an average of 0.05 metres compared to the five-year average, according to the latest groundwater assessment by the Groundwater Surveys and Development Agency (GSDA). While the drop amounts to just five centimetres, environmental experts warned that the figure signals a worrying long-term trend in a region that is increasingly dependent on groundwater, as opportunities for natural recharge are shrinking. The assessment found an average reduction in groundwater levels across the district comprising Nagpur, Hingna, Kamptee, Katol, Narkhed, Saoner, Kalmeshwar, Ramtek, Mauda, Parseoni, Umred, Kuhi and Bhiwapur talukas. Among them, Katol recorded one of the sharpest declines. Groundwater levels fell from 7.31 metres to 8.04 metres. The concern is not the decline recorded this year alone, but the impact of continued depletion over time, which could threaten water security, agriculture and future generations.

 

Senior botanist and environmentalist Dilip Chinchmalatpure attributed the situation largely to rapid urbanisation and the increasing concretisation of cities. “Extensive construction of cement roads, concrete footpaths and buildings have drastically reduced the amount of open land available for rainwater to naturally percolate into the soil. Moreover, groundwater is being extracted continuously, but the opportunities for recharge are steadily shrinking,” he said. “Even public gardens and open spaces are increasingly being paved, leaving little room for rainwater to seep underground. As a result, rainwater that would otherwise recharge aquifers is often lost as runoff.” “Road infrastructure should be designed to channel rainwater into recharge structures. Sloped road designs, connected drains, recharge pits and perforated pipes could help direct rainwater back into the ground instead of allowing it to flow away. Regular cleaning of drains would also be necessary to ensure the system functions effectively,” he suggested.

 

Ecological consultant Prachi Mahurkar raised similar concerns over excessive groundwater extraction. “There is a need for strict implementation of rainwater harvesting measures across urban and rural areas. Sustainable and well-enforced water management solutions, including small-scale sewage treatment systems in housing societies can treat wastewater for reuse, reducing dependence on fresh groundwater supplies,” she explained. “Moreover, the problem is also our consumption habits. Water is often used carelessly because it is perceived as readily available. Consumers should be charged according to the quantity of water consumed, which could encourage more responsible use. Another important step is enforcing rules that require everyone to have rainwater harvesting systems in their homes. If done on a large scale, it will help bring the situation under control over time.”

 

Mahurkar said that agricultural practices, such as excessive use of chemical fertilisers, often requires more water to help crops absorb nutrients, resulting in greater water consumption. The implications of groundwater depletion extend far beyond household water supply. Agriculture remains heavily dependent on groundwater, and continued declines could affect long-term food security. If groundwater continues to be extracted faster than it is replenished, a seemingly small annual decline today could accumulate into a major water crisis in the decades ahead.