SLUG: All’s well?Gandhinagar: A survey of ground water levels in wells across Gujarat after last monsoon has sprung mixed results. While the level has risen in 463 wells, 173 others have shown depletion. According to data presented by the Union govt in the recently concluded Parliament session, a rise in underground water level was observed in 72.8% of the total 636 wells surveyed during Nov-Dec 2025. The survey showed a drop in the remaining 27.2%.Among the wells in Gujarat which registered an increase in groundwater levels, the rise was by 0-2m in 240 wells, between 2m and 4m in 113, and by 4m in 110. On the other hand, the drop in groundwater levels was by 0-2m in 139 wells, by 2m-4m in 19 wells, and by over 4m in 15 wells. Across the country, 13,875 wells surveyed, and a rise in groundwater in 10,164 (73.25%) wells was observed. A fall was noticed in in 3,662 (26.39%) wells.In reply to a question, the Union govt said in a written reply that groundwater level is regularly monitored by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB). “Analysis of data on groundwater levels recorded by CGWB for the entire country indicates that about 73.25% of the wells monitored registered rise in groundwater level during the post-monsoon monitoring of 2025 as compared to decadal mean groundwater level of previous 10 years (2015-24),” the written reply said.The reply said that despite favourable conditions in the country as a whole, some pockets may be experiencing seasonal groundwater stress due to factors like high population density, rapid urbanization and industrialization, dependence on water-intensive crops, inefficient irrigation practices, climate change, etc.
