Groundwater – NGT Forms Expert Panel Amid Rising Water Depletion Concerns
Groundwater – India’s top environmental court has moved to confront the growing strain on groundwater resources by setting up a specialised committee to study the issue in depth. The Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal has directed a group of experts to examine the extent of groundwater depletion and recommend corrective measures within a defined timeline.
Tribunal Reviews Widespread Groundwater Stress
The bench, headed by Justice Prakash Shrivastava along with expert members Dr A. Senthil Vel and Dr Afroz Ahmad, evaluated data provided by the Central Ground Water Authority and several states and Union Territories. The findings pointed to a troubling pattern: groundwater is being extracted far beyond sustainable limits in many regions, while enforcement of existing regulations remains weak.
According to the data assessed by the tribunal, Punjab reported the highest level of over-exploited groundwater units at over 75 percent. Haryana followed with more than 61 percent, while Delhi recorded over 41 percent. Southern states such as Tamil Nadu and Karnataka also showed notable levels of overuse, though comparatively lower. The tribunal also noted that several states had yet to submit their data, raising concerns about incomplete monitoring.
Suo Motu Action Triggered by Media Report
The case was initiated by the tribunal on its own after taking note of a media report that highlighted alarming projections about groundwater levels. The report warned that key regions, particularly the Indo-Gangetic plains and parts of northwestern India, could face severe depletion if current trends continue.
The tribunal observed that such warnings align with the data already available, reinforcing the urgency of the situation. It emphasised that unchecked extraction, combined with insufficient regulatory oversight, has accelerated the decline in groundwater reserves.
Formation of High-Level Expert Committee
To address the issue comprehensively, the tribunal has constituted a multi-institutional expert committee. The panel includes representatives from the National Geophysical Research Institute, the Geological Survey of India, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee. The Central Ground Water Authority has been designated as the coordinating body for the initiative.
This committee has been tasked with analysing the current state of groundwater resources, identifying key drivers of depletion, and recommending practical solutions. The tribunal has instructed the panel to submit its findings within a period of three to four months.
Concerns Over Regulatory Enforcement
One of the key observations made during the hearing was the lack of effective implementation of groundwater regulations. While policies and guidelines exist, the tribunal noted that enforcement remains inconsistent across states. This gap has allowed excessive extraction to continue largely unchecked in several high-risk areas.
The tribunal stressed that improving regulatory compliance will be critical to reversing the trend. It also highlighted the need for better coordination between central and state authorities to ensure uniform application of rules.
Path Ahead for Water Security
The formation of the expert committee marks an important step in addressing India’s groundwater crisis. However, the tribunal indicated that long-term solutions will require sustained effort, including improved monitoring systems, public awareness, and stricter enforcement mechanisms.
As the country faces increasing pressure on its water resources due to population growth and changing climate patterns, the findings of this committee are expected to play a key role in shaping future policy decisions. The tribunal is likely to review the recommendations closely once the report is submitted.