Integrating Water Bodies and Aquifers for Conjunctive Water Management

India is facing a severe water crisis as groundwater levels continue to deplete at an alarming rate. The 2021 Master Plan for Artificial Recharge and the 2023 Water Bodies Census emphasize the need to revive and modify existing water bodies to enhance groundwater recharge. With only 12% of India’s 24.24 lakh water bodies contributing to groundwater replenishment, there is an urgent need to integrate rainwater harvesting, artificial recharge structures, and traditional water conservation methods to ensure sustainable water management.

With groundwater extraction nearing critical levels, India’s water demand is far outpacing its natural replenishment. The 2021 Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater proposes the construction of 141 lakh recharge structures like check dams, injection wells, and rooftop rainwater harvesting systems. These structures are designed to harness surface water and direct it into underground aquifers, ensuring a more balanced and sustainable water supply.

The 2023 Water Bodies Census revealed that a significant number of India’s lakes, ponds, and reservoirs are either underutilized or in a state of disrepair. Issues like siltation, encroachment, and drying up have rendered 16% of these water bodies non-functional. However, with simple engineering modifications, many of these can be transformed into efficient recharge structures.

Real-world examples from Punjab and Gujarat demonstrate how small yet effective interventions—such as connecting water bodies to injection wells or repurposing defunct bore wells—can significantly boost groundwater levels.

Despite these efforts, gaps in data and coordination remain a major challenge. The document highlights the need for better hydrological mapping, GIS-based tracking of water bodies, and community-driven initiatives to maximize water conservation efforts. By integrating aquifers with surface water systems, India can create a more resilient and water-secure future.

Keywords: Groundwater Recharge, Artificial Recharge, Aquifers, Water Conservation, Surface Water Bodies, Percolation Tanks, Sustainable Water Management, Hydrogeology, Water Body Census, Rainwater Harvesting