Central Groundwater Board (CGWB)?

Central Groundwater Board (CGWB)?

Overview of the Central Groundwater Board (CGWB)

As of 2023, 440 districts in India are identified with excessive nitrate levels in their groundwater, up from 359 districts in 2017, according to a report by the Central Groundwater Board (CGWB).

About CGWB

The Central Groundwater Board (CGWB) is a multi-disciplinary scientific organization under the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India. It serves as the National Apex Agency responsible for providing scientific expertise in managing, exploring, monitoring, assessing, augmenting, and regulating the country’s groundwater resources.

Mandate:
CGWB is tasked with developing and implementing technologies and national policies for the sustainable and scientific management of India’s groundwater. This includes activities like exploration, assessment, conservation, augmentation, pollution protection, and distribution, guided by principles of economic and ecological efficiency and equity.

Organizational Setup

  • Leadership: The Board is chaired by the Chairman and supported by five members.
  • Structure: The organization comprises experts in various fields, including Hydrogeologists, Geophysicists, Chemists, Hydrologists, Hydrometeorologists, and Engineers.
  • Headquarters: Located at Bhujal Bhawan, Faridabad, Haryana.

Major Activities of CGWB

  1. National Aquifer Mapping and Management (NAQUIM): Preparing aquifer maps and management plans.
  2. Groundwater Exploration: Identifying potential aquifers and groundwater-worthy areas.
  3. Geophysical Surveys: Detecting groundwater-bearing zones.
  4. Resource Assessment: Conducting periodic evaluations of groundwater resources.
  5. Monitoring: Tracking groundwater levels and quality through observation wells.
  6. Data Dissemination: Sharing groundwater-related data and knowledge.
  7. Groundwater Modelling and Remote Sensing: Utilizing GIS and advanced tools for analysis.
  8. Regulation and Control: Collaborating with State Government bodies for the regulation and management of groundwater development through the CGWA.
  9. Coordination: Establishing standardized methodologies for groundwater studies in partnership with State Governments.
  10. Research and Development: Conducting R&D to operationalize innovative techniques for groundwater management.
  11. Water Conservation: Promoting artificial groundwater recharge.
  12. Capacity Building: Organizing training programs and knowledge transfer initiatives.
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1. What is the Central Groundwater Board (CGWB)?

The CGWB is a scientific organization under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, responsible for the exploration, monitoring, assessment, management, and regulation of groundwater resources in India.

2. When was the Central Groundwater Board established?

The CGWB was established as a part of the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation to handle groundwater-related issues scientifically.

3. What are the main functions of CGWB?

The primary functions include aquifer mapping, groundwater exploration, quality monitoring, data dissemination, and developing sustainable groundwater management strategies.

4. What does “excessive nitrate levels in groundwater” mean?

Excessive nitrate levels indicate a high concentration of nitrates in groundwater, often resulting from agricultural runoff, wastewater, or septic system leakage, which can pose health risks.

5. How many districts in India are affected by excessive nitrates in groundwater?

As of 2023, 440 districts in India have been identified with excessive nitrate levels in groundwater, an increase from 359 districts in 2017.

8. What is National Aquifer Mapping and Management (NAQUIM)?

NAQUIM is an initiative by CGWB aimed at preparing detailed aquifer maps and management plans to ensure sustainable groundwater use.

09. What are the environmental impacts of unsustainable groundwater usage?

Unsustainable groundwater usage can lead to water table depletion, aquifer collapse, land subsidence, and pollution of remaining water sources.

10. How can state governments collaborate with CGWB?

State governments can collaborate by sharing data, implementing benchmark methodologies for groundwater studies, and enforcing sustainable groundwater practices.

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