Status and drivers of groundwater extraction in India

This paper analyses the status and drivers of groundwater extraction using a panel of district-level data for the most recent period. Our findings showed that the unsustainable groundwater depletion in north western states coexists with the under-utilization in eastern states of the country. The panel data analysis revealed that factors such as tube-well density, proportion of electrified tube-wells, irrigation coverage and cropping intensity have a significant positive influence on rate of groundwater extraction. The rate of groundwater extraction is low in districts where the surface irrigation is dominant. Districts with poor rainfall had higher rate of groundwater exploitation. The findings of the present study provide a platform for policy reframing related to rationalizing power tariffs for groundwater irrigation, improving groundwater irrigation use efficiency and promoting water efficient cropping pattern in over-exploited districts.