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<p>Middle Ganga Plain is densely populated with intense crop agriculture that relies on unregulated groundwater from shallow aquifers. However, limited information exists on groundwater storage changes in the region, which is crucial to make informed decisions and policies for sustainable groundwater management. This study analyzes long-term (1998–2017) in situ groundwater level data from pre- and post-monsoon seasons to identify the interplay of factors that control storage changes at a regional scale. Depth to water levels revealed significant spatial variability over time, with fluctuations up to −&#xa0;20&#xa0;m in a few wells in Varanasi District. Time series analysis showed a declining trend in 28% of wells during the pre-monsoon and 32% during post-monsoon seasons. Annual groundwater depletion rates were 0.13 ± 0.15&#xa0;m/yr for the pre-monsoon and 0.16 ± 0.18&#xa0;m/yr post-monsoon, respectively, with a decline of 1&#xa0;m/yr observed in one well. Total groundwater loss during the study period was 2790 ± 572 MCM. Cropland and built-up areas, which account for 93% of land use in the study area, are primary drivers of shallow groundwater depletion. Combined with spatial aquifer heterogeneity and impacts of climate change, continued groundwater loss is expected and will increase vulnerability of the shallow aquifer system in the foreseeable future. However, monitoring and regulating groundwater extraction, promoting water-efficient agricultural practices, and encouraging less water-intensive crops can reduce depletion. Enhancing recharge through existing ponds and recharge wells should be prioritized in high-loss areas. Community-based groundwater management and awareness campaigns can further promote responsible water use among farmers and urban stakeholders.</p>

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Sustainability of groundwater resources in the eastern middle Ganga plain, India: analyzing drivers of storage changes and depletion

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年12月2日

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  • Abhinav Patel,
  • Shive Prakash Rai,
  • Abhinesh Kumar Singh,
  • Luke Juran,
  • Nijesh Puthiyottil,
  • Adamya Shyam,
  • Radha Dixit,
  • Rajesh Singh,
  • Anant Gautam

摘要

Middle Ganga Plain is densely populated with intense crop agriculture that relies on unregulated groundwater from shallow aquifers. However, limited information exists on groundwater storage changes in the region, which is crucial to make informed decisions and policies for sustainable groundwater management. This study analyzes long-term (1998–2017) in situ groundwater level data from pre- and post-monsoon seasons to identify the interplay of factors that control storage changes at a regional scale. Depth to water levels revealed significant spatial variability over time, with fluctuations up to − 20 m in a few wells in Varanasi District. Time series analysis showed a declining trend in 28% of wells during the pre-monsoon and 32% during post-monsoon seasons. Annual groundwater depletion rates were 0.13 ± 0.15 m/yr for the pre-monsoon and 0.16 ± 0.18 m/yr post-monsoon, respectively, with a decline of 1 m/yr observed in one well. Total groundwater loss during the study period was 2790 ± 572 MCM. Cropland and built-up areas, which account for 93% of land use in the study area, are primary drivers of shallow groundwater depletion. Combined with spatial aquifer heterogeneity and impacts of climate change, continued groundwater loss is expected and will increase vulnerability of the shallow aquifer system in the foreseeable future. However, monitoring and regulating groundwater extraction, promoting water-efficient agricultural practices, and encouraging less water-intensive crops can reduce depletion. Enhancing recharge through existing ponds and recharge wells should be prioritized in high-loss areas. Community-based groundwater management and awareness campaigns can further promote responsible water use among farmers and urban stakeholders.