Environmental Body Urges Odisha CM To Tighten Control On Groundwater Extraction
The letter, written by the society’s working president Dr. Jayakrushna Panigrahi, stated that groundwater remains a crucial source for drinking water, agriculture and industrial activities in Odisha, but extraction in several areas has exceeded natural recharge levels, leading to declining water tables
Bhubaneswar: Raising concern over rapid groundwater depletion in Odisha amid the growing impact of climate change and global warming, the Orissa Environmental Society has urged Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to strengthen government regulation and monitoring of groundwater withdrawal across the state.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister, the environmental organisation warned that excessive and unregulated extraction of groundwater has emerged as a serious challenge, reportedly affecting 23 out of Odisha’s 30 districts.
The letter, written by the society’s working president Dr. Jayakrushna Panigrahi, stated that groundwater remains a crucial source for drinking water, agriculture and industrial activities in Odisha, but extraction in several areas has exceeded natural recharge levels, leading to declining water tables.
While appreciating the state government’s initiatives under the Odisha Ground Water (Regulation, Development and Management) Act, 2011, the organisation said enforcement at the ground level remains inadequate and the objective of sustainable groundwater management is yet to be fully achieved.
The society pointed out that although the law provides for mandatory permissions for large-scale extraction and restrictions in overexploited areas, implementation has remained weak. It also observed that compliance with rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge measures among urban buildings, industries and institutions continues to be limited.
Among its recommendations, the organisation called for mandatory permission from the water resources department for all groundwater withdrawals, compulsory installation of rainwater harvesting systems and installation of water meters at extraction points to regulate usage and generate revenue for water resource management.
The body also suggested creation of recharge openings in urban drainage channels to facilitate groundwater replenishment, comprehensive district-wise mapping of groundwater and surface water resources, and restrictions on granting fresh extraction permissions in overexploited regions.
Additionally, it proposed the construction of reservoirs in low-lying riverine areas to store excess floodwater for use during water scarcity periods, particularly in drought-prone regions of the state.
The organisation further stressed the need for stronger watershed development programmes, construction of check dams in rural areas, adoption of water-efficient irrigation techniques such as drip and sprinkler systems, and systematic digital monitoring of groundwater levels through observation wells.
The society urged the Chief Minister to take personal interest in the issue, warning that effective water conservation and management would be essential to prevent future distress in Odisha as climate change continues to intensify.