Kolkata: Groundwater depletion is having serious consequences on
communities around the world, and has also started to cause severe issues in
the state of West Bengal. The groundwater levels across Gangetic basin of
Bengal have been declining due to over-extraction of ground water and lack of
proper usage.
A study was released by SwitchON Foundation on World Water Day
indicating the distressing situation of groundwater depletion in West Bengal.
The report highlights that groundwater depletion is leading to reduced water
availability, in regions that rely on underground reserves as their primary
source of freshwater. This is leading to an increase in competition for scarce
resources and worsening water scarcity in already dry regions.
Overall, the study emphasises the urgent need for better management and
conservation of groundwater resources. The report recommends implementing
policies to regulate the use of underground water extraction, adopting
technology and practices for water conservation and water use efficiency,
promotion of water-resistant crops like millets and other indigenous rice
varieties, and shifting from high-water consumption crops. Failure to act could
have severe consequences for the environment and communities around the world.
Working towards the conservation of the environment as a whole, SwitchON
Foundation has launched their Empowering Energy, Water and Agriculture wing
(EEWA) to promote green energy, climate smart agriculture and water
conservation.
Looking at the appalling data, Vinay Jaju, Managing Director, SwitchON
Foundation said, “It's very alarming the way groundwater is getting depleted.
We have technology solutions and with awareness and change in habits - we have
to work on conserving water on a war footing mode. We need to take
immediate action to conserve our most precious resource”.
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