The surface and ground water: Existing approach of dealing with it – Issues and way forward

Context

World Water Day (March 22)

Theme

• Groundwater: Making the Invisible Visible

Primary Focus

• The primary focus is to draw attention to the role of groundwater in water and sanitation systems, agriculture, industry, ecosystems, and climate change adaptation.

India: one of the largest users

• With an annual groundwater extraction of 248.69 billion cubic meters (2017), India is among the largest users of groundwater in the world.
• Almost 89% of the groundwater extracted is used for irrigation and the rest is for domestic and industrial use (9% and 2%).

 What the editorial is about?

• The existing approach to dealing with surface water and groundwater and the reasons why it needs a relook.

Why there is a need for spe