Central Ground Water Board (CGWB): The Guardian of India’s Groundwater Resources

• The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) is a premier scientific organization in India, functioning under the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti. 
• Its primary objective is to develop and disseminate technology, regulate usage, and monitor policies for the sustainable management of India's groundwater resources.
• With rising dependence on groundwater for irrigation, drinking water, and industrial use, CGWB plays a pivotal role in ensuring its scientific assessment, conservation, and regulation.
• It was established in 1970. 
• Earlier, it was called the Exploratory Tube Wells Organization and was part of the Ministry of Agriculture. 
• Later, it was renamed and moved under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• Headquarters located in Faridabad, Haryana – this is where the main office of CGWB functions.

Objectives

• To assess the availability and quality of groundwater in India.
• To promote groundwater recharge and sustainable extraction.
• To assist states and UTs in planning, policy formulation, and regulation of groundwater.

Key Functions

Groundwater Assessment:

• CGWB maps aquifers across the country to understand water-bearing strata.
• It evaluates groundwater availability, recharge potential, and water quality across regions.

Monitoring and Surveillance:

• The Board operates 25,000+ observation wells to monitor the groundwater level and its seasonal trends.
• Quality monitoring includes physical, chemical, and biological testing of water samples.
• Scientific Studies:
  • Undertakes hydrogeological, geophysical, and chemical analyses of aquifers.
  • Conducts thematic studies on over-exploited areas, water-stressed zones, and recharge potential.

Policy and Regulation:

• CGWB formulates model groundwater regulations and recommends state-specific guidelines to regulate over-extraction and promote sustainable use.
• It also supports the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) in enforcing compliance in notified areas.

Major Initiatives

National Aquifer Mapping and Management Program (NAQUIM):

• Aims to map the entire country’s aquifers.
• Provides region-specific strategies for groundwater development and management.
• Encourages participatory water management at community levels.

Artificial Recharge Projects:

• Promotes rainwater harvesting, check dams, percolation tanks, and other recharge methods.
• Encourages states and urban bodies to adopt decentralized water recharge systems.

Master Plans and State Support:

• Prepares master plans for artificial recharge and supplies technical guidance to state governments and NGOs.
• Offers training and capacity building in hydrogeology and groundwater management.

Importance of CGWB in Present Context

• Climate change and irregular rainfall patterns have increased the pressure on groundwater sources.
• CGWB’s data-driven approach helps design early warning systems for drought-prone regions.
• The board also contributes to the National Water Policy by providing scientific input and groundwater modelling.

Challenges Ahead

• Overexploitation in agrarian belts like Punjab, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu.
• Contamination from industrial effluents and fertilizers leading to arsenic, fluoride, and nitrate issues.
• Lack of real-time monitoring in many regions and enforcement gaps in groundwater usage regulations.