Introduction
The growing crisis of groundwater depletion has made scientific groundwater management a national priority. Two institutions stand at the centre of India’s response to this challenge — the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and the Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY).
Together, they represent a shift from unregulated extraction to data-driven, community-led groundwater governance, making them extremely important for CDS, AFCAT, NDA, and UPSC examinations.
What Is the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)?
The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) is the apex technical organisation of the Government of India responsible for the scientific assessment, monitoring, management, and advisory support related to groundwater resources.
It functions under the Ministry of Jal Shakti and provides the technical backbone for India’s groundwater policies.
Core Functions of Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)
1. Groundwater Resource Assessment
CGWB conducts periodic assessments of dynamic groundwater resources in collaboration with State Governments. Based on extraction and recharge levels, areas are classified into:
Safe
Semi-critical
Critical
Over-exploited
This classification is crucial for policy decisions and schemes like ABHY.
2. Groundwater Monitoring
CGWB monitors:
Groundwater levels
Seasonal fluctuations
Long-term trends
It uses a nationwide network of observation wells, helping identify:
Declining water tables
Recharge patterns
Stress zones
3. Groundwater Quality Monitoring
CGWB assesses groundwater quality and identifies contamination such as:
Arsenic
Fluoride
Nitrate
Uranium
Heavy metals
It publishes Annual Groundwater Quality Reports, often cited in GS-III and defence exams.
4. Aquifer Mapping & Management (NAQUIM)
CGWB implements the National Aquifer Mapping Programme (NAQUIM), which focuses on:
Aquifer geometry
Recharge characteristics
Water quality
This supports aquifer-based management plans, a major reform in water governance.
5. Technical Support to States & UTs
CGWB provides technical guidance for:
Groundwater regulation
Sustainable extraction strategies
Scientific planning at state and local levels
6. Artificial Recharge & Rainwater Harvesting
CGWB identifies suitable locations for:
Artificial recharge
Rainwater harvesting
It designs structures like:
Recharge wells
Check dams
Percolation tanks
7. Policy Advisory Role
CGWB advises governments on:
Groundwater policy
Regulatory frameworks
Implementation of schemes such as Atal Bhujal Yojana
8. Research, Data & Capacity Building
Hydrogeological surveys
Exploratory drilling
National groundwater database
Training programs for officials and engineers
Public awareness initiatives
What Is Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY)?
Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY) is a Central Sector Scheme aimed at sustainable groundwater management through:
Community participation
Demand-side management
Behavioural change
It specifically targets water-stressed regions suffering from groundwater over-exploitation.
Launch & Administrative Details
Launched: December 2019
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Jal Shakti
Implementation Period: 2020–2025
Funding Pattern of ABHY
Total Outlay: ₹6,000 crore
Funding Structure:
50% World Bank loan
50% Government of India
Funds are released to states based on performance and measurable outcomes, not just expenditure.
Target Areas & States Covered
ABHY applies to:
Over-exploited
Critical
Semi-critical groundwater blocks
8 States Covered:
Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu
Key Features of Atal Bhujal Yojana
1. Community Participation
Gram Panchayats prepare Water Security Plans
Communities decide:
Crop patterns
Water usage norms
2. Demand-Side Management
Focus on reducing water demand, not increasing supply:
Micro-irrigation
Crop diversification
Efficient irrigation practices
3. Incentive-Based Approach
States receive funds based on:
Reduction in groundwater extraction
Adoption of water-efficient practices
4. Scientific Support by CGWB
Uses CGWB data
Aquifer-level planning
Integration with NAQUIM
Why CGWB + ABHY Matter for CDS & Defence Exams
Frequently asked in CDS GK & AFCAT
Linked with:
Climate change
Internal security (water stress)
Agricultural sustainability
Ideal for short notes, one-liners, and 5-mark answers
FAQs (Optimised for Google AI Snippets)
Q1. What is the role of Central Ground Water Board?
CGWB is responsible for groundwater assessment, monitoring, quality analysis, aquifer mapping, and policy advisory support in India.
Q2. Which ministry controls CGWB?
CGWB functions under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Q3. What is Atal Bhujal Yojana?
Atal Bhujal Yojana is a Central Sector Scheme for sustainable groundwater management through community participation and demand-side interventions.
Q4. How is ABHY funded?
ABHY is funded by a 50% World Bank loan and 50% Government of India contribution.
Q5. What is NAQUIM?
NAQUIM is the National Aquifer Mapping Programme implemented by CGWB for aquifer-based groundwater management.
Q6. Why is ABHY important for India?
It promotes long-term water security, drought resilience, and sustainable agriculture.
One-Line Exam Answer
Central Ground Water Board is the apex technical body responsible for scientific groundwater assessment and supports Atal Bhujal Yojana for sustainable groundwater management.
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