Guwahati’s Groundwater Enters Semi-Critical Stage

The Central Ground Water Board’s Dynamic Ground Water Resources of Assam, 2025 Report has classified Guwahati’s groundwater status as “Semi-Critical”, while the rest of Assam remains in the “Safe” category.

Key Highlights

• The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, periodically assesses groundwater availability and extraction across India through the Dynamic Ground Water Resources Assessment.
• According to the 2025 assessment, Guwahati has been categorised as a “Semi-Critical” groundwater assessment unit, indicating increasing pressure on groundwater resources due to rising extraction.
• The remaining parts of Assam continue to fall under the “Safe” category, suggesting that groundwater extraction is presently within sustainable limits in most areas.
• Assam extracts nearly 2.93 Billion Cubic Metres (BCM) of groundwater annually, mainly for drinking water, agriculture and domestic purposes.
• Water quality also remains a concern.
• Arsenic contamination has been detected in 4,586 habitations, while fluoride contamination has been reported in 306 habitations out of the State’s 88,419 habitations.
• The State Government has initiated mitigation measures, including installation of safe drinking water systems, groundwater quality monitoring and provision of alternative water sources in affected areas.

Groundwater Assessment Categories

• Safe: Groundwater extraction is below 70% of the annual replenishable resource.
• Semi-Critical: Groundwater extraction ranges between 70% and 90%, indicating increasing stress and the need for conservation measures.
• Critical: Groundwater extraction ranges between 90% and 100%, requiring strict regulation.
• Over-Exploited: Groundwater extraction exceeds 100%, meaning withdrawal is greater than natural recharge.

Exam Hook (Prelims)

Q. Under the groundwater assessment framework of the Central Ground Water Board, an area is classified as “Semi-Critical” when groundwater extraction is:

1. Less than 50% of annual recharge
2. Between 50% and 70% of annual recharge
3. Between 70% and 90% of annual recharge
4. More than 100% of annual recharge

Answer: (c)

One-line Wrap

The classification of Guwahati as a semi-critical groundwater area highlights the urgent need for sustainable groundwater management, scientific monitoring and improved water conservation to ensure future water security.