Amid water crisis, authorities reveal shocking news: Delhi has extracted 99% groundwater

Delhi, amidst grappling with a severe water shortage, received sobering news from the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB). Their latest report reveals a decline in both the annual recharge and available groundwater for extraction in the city. According to the CGWB's findings, Delhi's net annual groundwater recharge in 2023 was measured at 0.38 billion cubic meters (bcm), with only 0.34 bcm available for extraction. Shockingly, nearly all accessible groundwater has already been extracted, totaling 99.1%. In comparison, 2022 saw a recharge of 0.41 bcm, with 0.37 bcm available and 0.36 bcm utilized.

The report underscores a worrisome trend: despite reduced groundwater recharge, Delhi witnessed an increase in extraction, rising from 98.16% in 2022 to 99.13% in 2023. This disparity suggests ongoing challenges in sustaining groundwater levels across the city.

In a somewhat positive note, the report identifies an uptick in urban areas classified as 'safe' in terms of groundwater levels. In 2023, 15% of Delhi's assessment units achieved this status, up from 12% in the previous year. However, the area categorized as 'critical' expanded significantly, encompassing 35% of Delhi in 2023 compared to 21% in 2022.


Delhi's groundwater situation is assessed across 34 tehsils, with varying degrees of stress identified in each unit. As of 2023, 13 tehsils (38%) are classified as 'over-exploited', 12 (35%) as 'critical', four (12%) as 'semi-critical', and five (15%) as 'safe'. There have been some improvements since 2022, including an increase in 'safe' tehsils from four to five, a decrease in 'semi-critical' areas from eight to four, and a reduction in 'over-exploited' tehsils from 15 to 13. However, the number of 'critical' areas has risen from seven to 12.

To combat this alarming trend, CGWB has proposed several measures. These include mandating rainwater harvesting in water-stressed areas, enhancing the use of treated water, and launching widespread awareness campaigns. Educational initiatives targeting students and training programs for water sector personnel are also recommended.

The report concludes with a call for rigorous planning and implementation of sewage treatment plants to maximize non-domestic water use. "More sewage treatment plants and use of this water for other than domestic use may be planned and implemented religiously," emphasized the CGWB.