SUSTAINABLE GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT: EVALUATING LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND CHALLENGES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v5.i1.2024.2345Keywords:
Groundwater, Groundwater Management, Polluter Pay PrincipleAbstract [English]
Groundwater is an essential resource for agriculture, drinking water, and industrial use, especially in water-scarce regions like India. However, unsustainable extraction, pollution, and a fragmented regulatory framework have resulted in significant groundwater depletion and contamination. This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the legal framework governing groundwater management in India, with a specific focus on its alignment with principles of sustainability and the challenges encountered in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). The paper evaluates national and state-level laws, including the 2017 Model Groundwater Bill, and assesses the effectiveness of institutional mechanisms such as the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA). The study also explores the role of judicial interventions in shaping groundwater governance and presents policy recommendations aimed at promoting sustainable groundwater use, ensuring equitable access, and protecting groundwater-dependent ecosystems. In doing so, the article emphasizes the need for an integrated approach that combines legal reforms and community-driven initiatives to safeguard groundwater resources for future generations.
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