25-Groundwater Resources Assessment and Management Strategies with Special Reference to Madhya Pradesh.

Abstract

Unplanned rapid urban agglomeration, industrial growth combined with intensive irrigation, groundwater over-exploitation and disruption of natural groundwater recharge courses led to depletion of groundwater recharge. Consequently most of the first aquifers have either reduced their replenishing character or exhausted completely. Due to low and erratic rainfall in Madhya Pradesh, management of ground water has become the need of the hour. Sustainable development of groundwater resource has to be based on the available groundwater reserve and the knowledge of current and future demands on these reserves. Therefore groundwater assessment (GEC '97) for the entire state has been quantified for suggesting suitable management practices in the different parts of the state. However, integrated approach i.e. rainwater harvesting, water conservation measures, rejuvenation of traditional water harvesting sources combined with people participation, Water Act are some of the measures suggested for sustainable groundwater development and management in the over-exploited/critical areas.