Groundwater Crisis: The Looming Threat of Day Zero

 "Groundwater Crisis: The Looming Threat of Day Zero"

 India is a nation historically enriched in various water resources where presently an escalating water crisis has become a threat to the livelihoods of millions. Groundwater depletion emerging as a critical concern across numerous states has been effecting various sectors of agriculture, industry and livelihood of every Indian. The Spector of 'Day Zero'—the point at which all the taps run dry—is no longer a distant concern but a looming reality for several Indian cities in the coming future. 'Day Zero' signifies the day when water supplies are shut off due to severe shortages, compelling residents to rely on alternative water sources. In 2018, Cape Town's water crisis brought global attention to this concept of Zero day. Similarly in 2019, Chennai a major metropolitan city of India faced this dire scenario as its reservoirs got dried up, leading to widespread water scarcity. This crisis underscored the vulnerability of urban centers to water shortages. In the 2018 NITI Aayog report, CGWB (Central Groundwater Board) warned that nearly 21 major Indian cities, including Delhi and Bengaluru, will soon face groundwater crisis by 2025, affecting approximately 100 million people. The report warns that by 2030, the country's water demand is projected to be twice the available supply, implying severe water scarcity for hundreds of millions of people. While some cities have implemented measures to mitigate this risk, the threat remains pervasive. According to recent studies there are many factors which contribute to this crisis among which are -  Over-extraction of Groundwater: Unsustainable and unplanned withdrawal of groundwater for agriculture, industry and domestic purposes has led to a significant decline in groundwater levels.  Climate Change: Increase in temperature along with erratic rainfall patterns and prolonged droughts have diminished natural water replenishment. This leads to less water recharge resources and decline in the groundwater levels.  Urbanization: Rapid growth in unplanned urbanization has increased water demand greatly which often outpaces supply infrastructure. The river Ganges is one of the most important water resources in India. West Bengal is traditionally abundant in water resources, but now confronting significant challenges related to groundwater scarcity. The groundwater levels across Gangetic basin of Bengal have been declining due to over-extraction of ground water and lack of proper usage management. Research indicates that the groundwater level in Kolkata is dropping by approximately one foot annually. Over-withdrawal has created a 'trough' larger than the city itself, altering the natural flow of groundwater and leading to contamination (CGWB 2021). The over-extraction has resulted in the intrusion of brackish water in and around Sunderban regions of WB, rendering about 75% of Kolkata's groundwater partly or fully brackish. This salinization of groundwater poses significant challenges for both consumption and agricultural practices. The extensive cultivation of water-intensive crops has led to excessive groundwater extraction, especially in districts like Nadia, where the extraction has reached its highest. Due to erratic climatic changes regions districts like Purulia and Bakura faces the consequences of droughts and soaring temperatures have crippled agriculture and livelihoods. While Kolkata has not yet reached this critical point, the continuous decline in groundwater levels are signals of upcoming potential crisis if proper measures are not been implemented. Implementation of various mitigation and sustainable practices includes addressing of groundwater depletion through multifaceted approaches. Practice of rainwater harvesting that engage in collection and storage of rainwater in the rooftops and recharge of the groundwater sources through proper infiltration tanks. Planning of proper sustainable agriculture promotes less water demanding crops and implementing efficient irrigation techniques to conserve various water resources. Proper urban planning techniques integrates water-sensitive designs in urban development can enhance natural recharge and reduce runoff. In 2025, Prayagraj hosted the festival of Maha Kumbha Mela which attracted over 400 million pilgrims between the months of January and February. While these gatherings hold profound spiritual significance, they also strain the ecosystem. Recent reports have highlighted alarming levels of contamination. Data from the various studies by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) indicates that fecal coliform levels in the Ganges surged to 11,000 units per 100 milliliters at Sangam which far exceeds the safe limit of 2,500 units. This contamination poses significant health risks to those engaging in ritual baths and break in ecosystem, which proves more public awareness programs and active participation are essential for sustainable conservation. Lastly, implementation of proper policy and strict regulations on groundwater extraction and water quality preservation would enhance the qualitative and quantitative aspects of groundwater resources. These are some crucial steps toward groundwater sustainability, development and management. The convergence of impending 'Day Zero' scenarios and contamination of various water bodies underscores the urgency for comprehensive water management strategies in India. Proactive measures, community engagement, and robust policy implementations are imperative towards revert of nationwide water crisis.

 Dr. Puja Chowdhury

 Assistant Professor

Techno India University, West Bengal

www.technoindiauniversity.ac.in

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