Karnataka among states that fail to take action on groundwater exploitation

Bengaluru: Karnataka, which faces groundwater crisis every year, is among a handful of states that have ignored the Central Groundwater Authority's (CGWA) direction to take action against overexploitation and illegal extraction of groundwater while CGWA and many states have begun levying penalty and compensation.

Characterised by slow recharging of aquifers, Karnataka's groundwater resources are highly vulnerable to overexploitation. The Karnataka Groundwater Authority (KGWA) had previously reported on the general characteristics of the state's groundwater resources.

As of March 2024, as much as 39,353 sq km in the state was overexploited and as of 2022, 6,581 sq km was under critical condition. A year later, KGWA said, the area under critical condition increased to 10,443.17 sq km, while area under overexploitation reduced marginally to 34,281 sq km.

The CGWA had issued directions to all states in Dec 2024, seeking details of action taken to curb illegal extraction of groundwater by large housing complexes, industrial units, commercial establishments and other entities.

The information required the number of borewells sealed, penalty and environmental compensation imposed on the offenders.

The CGWA's action came after the National Green Tribunal asked the authority to take steps to prevent the decline in the groundwater resources as warned by a study by a United Nations body. The central body said that many states failed to answer the specific questions it raised.

The central authority said it has received Rs 41.74 crore as environment compensation and Rs 45.50 crore penalty from 17 states and Union territories under its jurisdiction between March 2021 and November 2024.

"In spite of directions, ATR (action taken report) has not been submitted," it said, referring to Karnataka and eight other states and union territories.

To a question, B K Rajendra, who took over as KGWA director recently, said he will look into the matter. "We will look into CGWA's letter and take action," he said.

While Karnataka is among states that have taken up artificial groundwater recharging by digging over 59,000 structures, sources said the state groundwater authority has failed to raise awareness among the public, especially those using groundwater for commercial and irrigation purposes.

"The government needs to educate farmers against flood irrigation and begin a crackdown on industries illegally extracting groundwater. Apartments should be given a warning to comply with rules before action," an official said.