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Ladakh’s groundwater recharge dips by 22%, extraction rates improve: CGWB report

This reduction reflects challenges in natural recharge processes, likely influenced by factors such as reduced snowfall, changing precipitation patterns, or altered hydrological conditions in the region
12:40 AM Jan 30, 2025 IST | ZEHRU NISSA
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Ladakh’s groundwater recharge dips by 22%, extraction rates improve: CGWB report___Representational image

Srinagar, Jan 29: A latest national report has revealed a marginal decline in Ladakh’s annual groundwater recharge, sparking concerns over long-term water security in the arid region.

However, the 2024 National Compilation on Dynamic Ground Water Resources also highlights a significant drop in extraction rates and improved sustainability indicators, offering a glimmer of hope for the ecologically fragile Union Territory.

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According to the report released by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) on 31 December 2024, annual groundwater recharge in Ladakh has decreased from 0.09 bcm in 2023 to 0.07 bcm in 2024, indicating a reduction of 0.02 bcm. This represents a decline of approximately 22.22% compared to the previous year.

This reduction reflects challenges in natural recharge processes, likely influenced by factors such as reduced snowfall, changing precipitation patterns, or altered hydrological conditions in the region.

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Despite this, groundwater extraction decreased by 33% (from 0.03 bcm to 0.02 bcm), lowering the Stage of Extraction from 37.05% to 30.93%, signaling progress in conservation efforts.

Of the 18 blocks across Leh and Kargil districts, 17 are now categorised as “safe” for groundwater use. Only Diskit block in Leh is labeled “semi-critical”, requiring urgent monitoring.

In addition,  90.65% (873 sq km) of Ladakh’s recharge-worthy areas fall under “safe” zones, with just 9.35% (90 sq km) deemed “semi-critical.”

Leh district’s groundwater, vital for drinking and farming, is stored in porous glacial deposits like Talus and Scree formations. Kargil’s resources rely heavily on canal seepage and irrigation return flows.

A senior official from the Central Ground Water Board stated, “The reduction in extraction reflects better community awareness and stricter oversight, particularly in farming areas. However, climate pressures remain a looming threat.”

Nearly 300,000 of Ladakh’s residents depend heavily on groundwater for survival, with limited alternatives in its high-altitude desert landscape. The region’s unique geology—slow-recharging glacial sediments—makes it vulnerable to climate shifts, including erratic snowfall and retreating glaciers.

Erratic weather could worsen recharge rates, necessitating artificial recharge projects and rainwater harvesting, many experts fear.

A Jal Shakti official while talking about the report said Ladakh’s groundwater situation leans toward cautious optimism: the dip in recharge underscores the urgency of adaptive measures. For the UT where water scarcity threatens local  livelihoods and tourism,  balancing conservation with demand is a critical challenge, he said.

 

 

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