Weekly Current Affairs (1st to 7th November 2024) Part - 2 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

GS2/Governance

Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme

Why in News?

• The Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) continues to be a contentious issue in India. Supporters assert that it empowers MPs to meet the needs of their constituents, while detractors claim it undermines the constitutional principle of separation of powers. Recent discussions have emerged regarding incomplete projects and the need for increased funding, intensifying the debate over MPLADS's oversight and accountability.

What is MPLADS?

• Overview: MPLADS is a Central Sector Scheme initiated in 1993. It allows Members of Parliament (MPs) to suggest development projects in their constituencies, focusing on creating lasting community assets that address local needs.
• Implementation: The scheme is managed by a state-level nodal department, with district authorities responsible for project approval, fund allocation, and implementation.
• Funding Allocation: Since 2011-12, each MP receives Rs 5 crore annually, disbursed by the Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation (MoSPI) in two installments of Rs 2.5 crore each.
• Nature of Funds: The funds are non-lapsable, meaning they can be carried over if not used in a given year. Additionally, MPs are required to allocate at least 15% and 7.5% of their funds for projects benefiting Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), respectively.
• Special Provisions: MPs can allocate up to Rs 25 lakh annually for projects outside their constituencies aimed at promoting national unity. In cases of severe natural disasters, they can allocate up to Rs 1 crore for projects anywhere in India.
• Eligible Projects: MPLADS funds can be combined with the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) for the creation of durable assets and can support the Khelo India program for sports infrastructure. Infrastructure projects are allowed on lands owned by registered societies or trusts engaged in social welfare for at least three years, but not on lands where the MP or their family are office-bearers.

What are the Main Arguments For and Against MPLADS?

Criticisms:

• Violation of Constitutional Principles: Critics argue that MPLADS violates the principles of governance by allowing legislators to assume executive roles. While MPs claim to merely recommend projects, there are concerns that district authorities seldom reject these recommendations, raising accountability issues.
• Lack of Accountability: There are significant concerns regarding insufficient monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, which may lead to the misuse of public funds. Allegations suggest that MPs may use MPLADS funds to benefit political allies, contractors, or family members.
• Political Misuse: Investigations into MPLADS fund utilization are often seen as politically motivated, particularly around election times.

Issues in MPLADS:

• The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has identified numerous flaws in the execution of MPLADS, including low fund utilization rates, which range from 49% to 90%.
• Funds are frequently used to enhance existing assets rather than for new project creation.
• Reports have noted excess payments and substandard work due to inferior materials, delays in issuing work orders, and poor documentation, all of which raise transparency concerns.

Supportive Views:

• Local Development Focus: Proponents, mainly elected officials, argue that MPLADS is vital for local development, allowing MPs to respond effectively to community needs.
• Flexibility in Project Selection: Supporters claim that MPLADS facilitates quicker project implementation aligned with local priorities.
• Increased Allocation Demand: Many MPs are advocating for higher MPLADS funding, stating that the current allocation is insufficient compared to what state legislators receive, which could help achieve fairer development across larger constituencies.

How Effective is the Monitoring of MPLADS?

• Third-Party Evaluations: The government has engaged third-party organizations like NABCONS and AFC Limited to assess MPLADS. While some evaluations reported positive outcomes, such as the creation of quality assets, they also uncovered issues like ineligible project approvals and asset encroachments.

Key Problems in Monitoring MPLADS:

• Delays in evaluations reduce opportunities for timely corrective measures.
• Lack of stringent checks and follow-up on irregularities leads to the misuse of funds.
• Limited public access to fund utilization data complicates transparency efforts.
• While each MP's office possesses detailed fund utilization data, this information is not consistently updated on the designated portal.

Does MPLADS Require Reform or Abolition?

Arguments for Reform:

• Proposals for reform include providing MPLADS with statutory backing and establishing an independent monitoring body to enhance governance and accountability.
• Implementing open tendering for contractor selection with oversight from CAG representatives could ensure adherence to regulations.
• Reforms could enable better integration with national schemes like MGNREGS to maximize fund impact.
• While the current scheme allows for diverse project funding, reforms could specifically target welfare initiatives for marginalized communities to boost local development.

Arguments for Abolition:

• Abolishing MPLADS might redirect funds directly to local governments, which are better equipped to assess and meet community needs.
• Many argue that existing government initiatives already fulfill local development requirements, suggesting that eliminating MPLADS could enhance resource utilization and prevent overlapping efforts.
• Weak regulations have led to misuse and uneven fund distribution, increasing the risk of corruption.

Conclusion

• Finding a balance between the development goals of MPLADS and robust accountability mechanisms is crucial for its future.
• The ongoing debate centers around whether reforms to improve transparency will suffice or if more drastic measures, such as abolishing the scheme, are necessary in the context of India's democratic governance.

Mains Question:

• What are the issues associated with the MPLADS scheme? How does it challenge the separation of powers?

GS3/Economy

Paradox of Stagnant Rural Wages

• Recently, the Indian economy and the farm sector have experienced average annual growth rates of 4.6% and 4.2% respectively from 2019-20 to 2023-24. However, this economic growth has not translated into increased rural wages, highlighting a paradox where both agricultural and non-agricultural wages have either stagnated or declined despite the growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

What is the Current State of Rural Wages?

• Nominal Wages: From April 2019 to August 2024, nominal wages grew at an average annual rate of 5.2%. For agricultural wages specifically, the nominal growth was slightly higher at 5.8%, indicating stronger demand for labor in this sector.
• Real Wages: The real wage growth, which accounts for inflation, was negative at -0.4% for rural workers overall, while agricultural wages posted a modest increase of 0.2%. This shows that even as nominal wages rose, inflation outpaced these gains, thereby diminishing the purchasing power of rural workers.
• Current Fiscal Trends: In the first five months of the 2023-24 fiscal year (April-August), nominal growth rates for agricultural wages were at 5.7%, while real growth was only 0.7%.

What are the Reasons for Stagnation in Rural Wages?

• Higher Female LFPR: The Female Labour Force Participation Rate has significantly increased from 26.4% in 2018-19 to 47.6% in 2023-24. This rise suggests that more individuals are willing to work, often at lower wages, which puts downward pressure on overall wage levels.
• Low Agricultural Productivity: Marginal productivity in agriculture, especially in rural areas, is generally low. An influx of labor does not lead to proportional increases in productivity, further contributing to wage stagnation.
• Capital-Intensive Technology: Advancements in technology are reducing the need for manual labor in various industries. For instance, the use of threshing machines in agriculture has replaced manual labor, benefitting capital owners but hindering wage growth and job opportunities.
• Decline in Non-Agricultural Labour Demand: Industries that typically employ rural labor, such as manufacturing and services, have not expanded adequately alongside GDP growth, leading to fewer job opportunities.
• Limited Non-Farm Opportunities: Small-scale and cottage industries in rural areas are often underdeveloped, lacking the necessary support and financing to create non-farm job opportunities.
• Weaker Wage Guarantee Programs: Issues like delayed payments and corruption in the implementation of programs like MGNREGA hinder the effectiveness of wage support initiatives.
• Inflation: Rising prices for essential commodities and services erode real wages, as nominal wages remain stagnant or grow slowly.
• Climate Change: Frequent climate events such as droughts and floods adversely affect agricultural incomes, limiting the ability of landowners to offer higher wages and creating instability in the rural labor market.

What are the Implications of Stagnant Rural Wages?

• Poor Domestic Demand: With a large portion of India's population living in rural areas, their limited purchasing power constricts demand for goods, particularly from small and medium enterprises, thereby affecting overall economic growth.
• Financial Vulnerability and Debt: High inflation coupled with stagnant wages forces rural households into debt, creating a cycle of financial instability and increasing reliance on informal lenders.
• Underemployment: The decline in non-farm job opportunities compels many rural workers to revert to agriculture, even when it yields low returns.
• Gender Wage Disparity: Stagnant wages affect all rural workers, but women, who typically earn less than men for the same jobs, are disproportionately impacted.
• Forced Migration: The lack of better-paying jobs in rural areas drives workers to migrate to cities, leading to urban overcrowding and straining infrastructure and services.
• Limited Human Capital: Low wages restrict access to quality healthcare, education, and nutrition, especially for children, with long-term effects on rural development.

How to Address Rural Wage Stagnation Problem?

• Strengthen Income Transfer Schemes: Expanding and increasing payments in schemes such as PM-KISAN and free-grain distribution can alleviate financial pressures on low-income families.
• Implement Periodic Wage Adjustments: Regularly revising rural minimum wages based on inflation can help ensure that wage growth aligns with living costs. Data from surveys and studies by the Labour Bureau can guide policymakers in addressing rural wage challenges effectively.
• Address Gender Pay Gap: Initiatives targeting women and low-income families, such as Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin Yojana, which provides monthly support for qualifying families, can help those affected by wage stagnation.
• Rural Non-Farm Employment: Policies should encourage labor-intensive sectors like textiles, food processing, and tourism, while programs can offer stable employment during economic downturns or seasonal unemployment.
• Agricultural Modernization: Improving agricultural productivity through access to technology, irrigation, and high-quality seeds can enhance wages by increasing output and income per worker.

Conclusion

The paradox of stagnant rural wages persists despite strong economic and agricultural growth, attributed to factors such as increased labor supply, low agricultural productivity, and limited non-farm job opportunities. Addressing this issue requires a combination of targeted income support, wage adjustments, skill development, and modernization of agriculture to promote sustainable wage growth and rural development.

Mains Question:

• Discuss the reasons behind the stagnation of rural wages in India despite steady economic growth. What measures can be taken to address this issue?

GS2/Polity

SC Upholds UP Madarsa Act 2004

Why in News?

• Recently, the Supreme Court partially upheld the constitutional validity of the Uttar Pradesh Madrasa Education Board Act, 2004, overturning the Allahabad High Court ruling (March 2024) which declared it unconstitutional. However, the SC declared the provisions pertaining to higher education (Kamil and Fazil) as conflicting with the University Grants Commission Act (UGC Act) 1956, which is governed by Entry 66 of List 1.

Why has the Supreme Court Upheld the UP Madrasa Education Board Act, 2004?

• Constitutional Validity: The Madrasa Act, 2004 effectively regulates educational standards ensuring that students achieve competency for active societal participation.
• Legislative Competence: The Supreme Court confirmed that the Madrasa Act falls within the legislative powers of the State Legislature, specifically under Entry 25 of List 3 (Concurrent List) of the Constitution.
• Religious Education vs Religious Instruction: The Court differentiated between religious education, which promotes communal harmony, and religious instruction, which is prohibited under Article 28 in state-recognized institutions.
• Immunity to Basic Structure: The Court stated that the constitutional validity of a statute cannot be challenged unless it violates specific provisions of the Constitution related to secularism.
• State Regulation: The Court noted that the state can establish rules under the Act to ensure that madrasas provide secular education alongside religious teachings.
• Minority Rights and Quality Education: The Court emphasized the need for directions to ensure that madrasa students receive a quality education comparable to that provided in state institutions.
• Minority Rights: By upholding the Act, the Court reinforced the rights of religious minorities to establish educational institutions under Article 30 of the Indian Constitution.
• Focus on Inclusivity: The directive to ensure access to quality education for madrasa students supports their integration within the broader educational framework of the state.

What is the UP Madrasa Education Board Act, 2004?

• About: This Act serves as a legislative framework to regulate and formalize madrasa education in Uttar Pradesh, ensuring compliance with defined educational standards and norms.
• Madarsa Education: The Act aims to integrate madrasa education with the secular curriculum prescribed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), combining formal education with Islamic teachings.
• Board of Madarsa Education: The Act established the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education, responsible for overseeing and regulating madrasa education in the state.
• Examination: It includes provisions for conducting examinations for madrasa students, with courses ranging from the 'Maulvi' level (equivalent to Class 10) to the 'Fazil' level.

Why did Allahabad HC Declare UP Madrasa Education Board Act, 2004 Unconstitutional?

• Secularism: The Allahabad HC found that the Madarsa Act, 2004 infringed upon secularism by mandating Islamic education at all levels while relegating modern subjects to an optional status.
• Violation of Fundamental Rights: Right to Education (Article 21A): The Act was deemed in violation of the right to free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14, as it did not meet the constitutional obligations for education.
• Article 14 Violation: The Act was found to discriminate between madrasa students and those in mainstream schools.
• Article 15 Violation: It established a separate and unequal education system for madrasa students.
• Conflict with Central Law: The court identified conflicts with the University Grants Commission Act, 1956, which grants authority for degree conferral only to universities recognized under its provisions.

What are Implications of the SC Ruling on UP Madrasa Education Board Act, 2004?

• Regulation of Education Standards: This ruling reinforces the state’s responsibility in setting educational standards to maintain quality across all institutions.
• Protection of Minority Rights: It affirms the rights of religious minorities to establish educational institutions as long as they adhere to prescribed educational standards.
• Inclusivity: The decision supports the integration of madrasas into the broader educational framework, ensuring that all children receive quality education.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court's decision to uphold the Uttar Pradesh Madrasa Education Board Act emphasizes the balance between religious education and secular standards. While affirming minority rights, it reinforces the state’s authority to regulate education. This ruling may set a precedent for the regulation of religious education nationwide, ensuring inclusivity and quality.

Mains Question:

• Examine the implications of the Supreme Court's ruling on the Uttar Pradesh Madrasa Education Board Act, 2004, particularly in relation to minority rights and the state's responsibility to provide secular education.

GS3/Environment

First Advance Estimates for Kharif Crop Production

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has recently released the Kharif crop production estimates for the year 2024-25, indicating a record output in foodgrains and oilseeds. This report highlights the government's increasing reliance on technology and stakeholder input in agricultural planning, showcasing a notable rise in production, particularly in staple crops like rice and maize.

Key Highlights of the First Advance Estimates for Kharif Crop Production

Digital Crop Survey (DCS):

• The DCS was implemented for the first time under the Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM) to determine crop areas, replacing the traditional manual Girdawari method in four states: Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Odisha.

Record Foodgrain Production:

• Total Kharif food grain production for 2024-25 is estimated at 1647.05 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT), an increase of 89.37 LMT compared to 2023-24 and 124.59 LMT above the average Kharif food grain production, driven by high yields of rice, jowar, and maize.

Crop-Wise Estimates: 

Implications:

• Food Security: The significant production across vital crops enhances India’s food security, ensuring a reliable supply for domestic needs and potential exports.
• Economic Impact: Increased yields can positively impact the economy by boosting rural incomes, stabilizing prices, and enhancing the agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contributions.
• Policy Planning: The data-driven estimates aid policymakers in crafting effective support programs and strategies for supply chain management.

What is the Digital Agriculture Mission?

• The DAM aims to revolutionize the agricultural sector through digital innovation and technology-driven solutions, with a budget allocation of Rs. 2,817 crore. The mission focuses on modernizing agriculture by integrating data, digital tools, and technology to enhance farming efficiency, transparency, and accessibility.

Components of the DAM:

AgriStack:A comprehensive Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) designed for farmers, which includes:

• Farmers' Registry: Contains unique IDs for farmers, similar to Aadhaar.
• Geo-referenced Village Maps: Provides accurate mapping of agricultural lands.
• Crop Sown Registry: A database that tracks which crops are planted and their locations.
• The AgriStack initiative aims to streamline government services, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and ease the process for farmers to access benefits. Pilot projects have been implemented in six states to test the creation of Farmer IDs and the DCS.

Key Targets Include:

• Establishing digital identities for 11 crore farmers over three years, with targets of 6 crore in FY 2024-25, 3 crore in FY 2025-26, and 2 crore in FY 2026-27.
• Launching the DCS nationwide within two years, with coverage of 400 districts in FY 2024-25 and all districts by FY 2025-26.
• Krishi Decision Support System (DSS): A geospatial system that utilizes remote sensing data on soil, weather, water, and crops to provide real-time, data-informed insights for farmers.
• Soil Profile Mapping: High-resolution soil maps will be developed for agricultural lands to enhance understanding of soil health and promote sustainable farming practices.
• Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES): This initiative employs technology to improve the accuracy of crop yield estimates, aiding productivity and policy formulation.

Benefits:

• Enhanced Transparency: Accurate data facilitates more efficient and transparent processing for crop insurance, loans, and government schemes.
• Disaster Response: Improved crop maps will enable quicker responses during natural disasters, thereby assisting in disaster relief and insurance claims.
• Targeted Support: With a digital framework, farmers can receive real-time guidance on pest management, irrigation, and other advisory services tailored to their specific needs.
• Employment Opportunities: The mission is anticipated to create both direct and indirect employment in agriculture, supporting around 2,50,000 trained local youth.
• Mains Question:
  • Q. Analyze the economic implications of food grain production in India, particularly regarding food security and rural income.

GS3/Environment

World Cities Report 2024

Why in News?

• Recently, the UN-Habitat has released the World Cities Report 2024: Cities and Climate Action. The report highlighted that the cities are among the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, yet they face disproportionately severe impacts of climate change.

What are the Key Findings of the World Cities Report 2024?

• Temperature Increases: By 2040, nearly two billion people in urban areas will encounter a 0.5°C rise in temperature. 14% of cities are projected to shift to drier climates, while at least 900 cities may transition to more humid conditions, particularly in tropical regions.
• Sea-Level Rise: By 2040, over 2,000 cities located in low coastal areas, many less than 5 meters above sea level, will put more than 1.4 billion people at higher risk due to sea-level rise and storm surges.
• Disproportionate Impact: Urban areas are significantly affected by climate change while also being major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, rendering them more susceptible to climate shocks such as floods and cyclones.
• Investment Gap: To establish climate-resilient systems, cities require an estimated USD 4.5 to USD 5.4 trillion annually. However, current funding is only about USD 831 billion, indicating a substantial shortfall.
• Riverine Flooding: The exposure of cities to riverine flooding has surged, increasing 3.5 times faster than in rural areas since 1975. By 2030, 517 million individuals in urban areas will be exposed to riverine flooding, representing 14% of the global urban population.
• Decline of Green Spaces: The proportion of urban green spaces has decreased significantly from 19.5% in 1990 to 13.9% in 2020, contributing to various environmental and social challenges within cities.
• Increased Vulnerability: Informal settlements, often situated in flood-prone and low-lying areas, are major contributors to vulnerability. The lack of protective infrastructure and legal recognition makes these communities more exposed to climate impacts and unable to invest in necessary upgrades due to fears of eviction.
• Green Gentrification: Some climate interventions, such as park creation, have led to green gentrification, which displaces underprivileged communities. This phenomenon occurs when a low-income neighborhood undergoes changes due to an influx of wealthier residents, resulting in rising property values and rents.

How Urban Areas Contribute to Global Warming?

• Energy Consumption: Urban areas are responsible for 71% to 76% of CO2 emissions from global final energy use due to the concentration of energy-intensive industries, transportation, and high-density residential and commercial buildings. Urban lifestyles typically demand high energy consumption for electricity, heating, and cooling in buildings.
• Industrial Activities: Factories and power plants that utilize fossil fuels release various greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O).
• Land Use Changes: The conversion of land for housing, infrastructure, and industrial purposes diminishes the Earth's capacity to absorb and store carbon. The area of urban land is expected to more than triple from 2015 to 2050, leading to deforestation and destruction of habitats.
• Waste Generation and Landfills: Decomposition of organic waste in landfills emits methane, a greenhouse gas with a global warming potential significantly higher than that of CO₂.
• Urban Heat Island Effect: Cities, especially those with extensive concrete and asphalt surfaces, absorb and retain more heat than rural areas, resulting in the urban heat island effect.

How Cities are Affected by Global Warming?

• Heatwaves: Global warming is leading to increased global temperatures and more frequent heatwaves. For instance, heatwaves are becoming more severe in India.
• Urban Heat Islands (UHIs): UHIs are urban areas that are significantly warmer than surrounding regions due to heat-absorbing materials and energy consumption.
• Coastal Flooding: Rising temperatures are causing glaciers and ice sheets to melt, contributing to sea-level rise which inundates coastal areas, displaces communities, and disrupts ecosystems.
• Wildfire Season: The season for wildfires has been prolonged and intensified due to rising temperatures and prolonged droughts, increasing fire risks.

Way Forward

• Resilient Infrastructure: Infrastructure is crucial for reducing emissions, as it is responsible for 79% of total emissions and is pivotal in achieving 72% of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Infrastructure should be resilient to climate impacts and address social and environmental factors that heighten community vulnerability.
• Green Energy: Transitioning to electrified public transport and promoting electric vehicles can significantly lower the carbon footprint associated with both personal and public transportation.
• Diverse Financing Mix: To close the financing gap, well-structured loans and credit facilities can aid cities in investing in long-term climate solutions. Affordable financing models, climate-friendly loans, and green bonds are essential for securing capital for climate initiatives.
• Urban Carbon Sinks: Cities can offset emissions by investing in nature-based solutions like green roofs, urban forests, and parks that absorb carbon dioxide. Compact urban planning can also mitigate urban sprawl, reducing the need for extensive travel and related emissions.
• Circular Waste Management: Implementing effective waste management practices such as recycling and composting can prevent methane emissions from landfills.
• Whole-of-Society Approach: Coordinated efforts across different government levels and sectors are vital for ensuring consistent, inclusive, and effective climate action.
• Strengthening Local Capacities: Local governments are best suited to create tailored solutions for their communities, understanding their specific challenges and needs. Encouraging lifestyle changes, such as walking, biking, and carpooling instead of relying on private vehicles, can also help reduce demand.

Conclusion

The report underscores the urgent need for cities to confront the impacts of climate change, emphasizing both their vulnerability and their role in contributing to global warming. Effective solutions necessitate resilient infrastructure, green energy, and circular waste management, all supported by diverse financing methods and local actions to create climate-resilient and inclusive urban environments.

Mains Question:

• Discuss how urban areas contribute to global warming and the measures required to mitigate their impact.

GS3/Environment

Urbanisation and Industrialisation Depleting Groundwater

Why in News?

• A recent study titled Detection and Socio-Economic Attribution of Groundwater Depletion in India highlighted the significant impact of urbanisation and industrialisation on groundwater depletion in five Indian states.

What are the Key Findings of the Study?

Affected States:

• Punjab and Haryana (Hotspot I): The most severely impacted, losing 64.6 billion cubic metres of groundwater over two decades.
• Uttar Pradesh (Hotspot II): A decline in irrigation demand by 8%, while domestic and industrial usage surged by 38%, resulting in a 4% drop in groundwater levels.
• West Bengal (Hotspot III): Minimal growth in irrigation at 0.09%, but a 24% increase in other uses led to a 3% reduction in groundwater.
• Chhattisgarh (Hotspot IV): Rising usage across sectors caused groundwater levels to decline significantly.
• Kerala (Hotspot V): Experienced a 17% decrease in groundwater despite ample rainfall, attributed to a 36% drop in irrigation and a 34% rise in other usages.

Primary Cause:

• Rapid Urbanisation: Urbanisation increased by 10% from 2001 to 2011, significantly affecting areas like Faridabad and Gurgaon, where groundwater levels sharply declined post-2012.
• Rising Demand: Enhanced domestic and industrial water consumption alongside a slight decrease in rainfall during the study period contributed to groundwater depletion.

What are the Major Causes of Groundwater Depletion?

• Over-Reliance on Groundwater: Approximately 80% of India’s water usage is for irrigation, predominantly sourced from groundwater. Increasing food demand escalates groundwater extraction, leading to significant depletion.
• Poor Water Management: Inefficient water usage, leaks in infrastructure, and insufficient systems for rainwater capture aggravate groundwater depletion.
• Decline in Traditional Water Conservation Methods: The reduction of practices such as rainwater harvesting and the use of step wells and check dams has limited opportunities for groundwater recharge.
• Climate Change: Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns adversely affect groundwater aquifer recharge rates, making them more vulnerable to depletion. Deforestation and soil erosion also hinder the natural replenishment of aquifers, while climate change-related events like droughts and floods further stress groundwater resources.

What are the Impacts of Groundwater Depletion?

• Reduced Crop Yields: Lower groundwater levels restrict irrigation capabilities, thereby diminishing crop productivity and threatening food security.
• Urban Water Scarcity: Cities increasingly depend on groundwater; depletion leads to higher costs and a strain on municipal services, compromising water availability.
• Public Health Risks: With only 4% of the world's freshwater resources available to 18% of its population, declining water quality due to overextraction and contamination heightens risks of waterborne diseases and heavy metal exposure.
• Ecosystem Loss: Reduced water tables disrupt wetlands, forests, and aquatic ecosystems, leading to biodiversity loss.
• Increased Drought Risks: Groundwater depletion diminishes resilience to droughts, which are projected to become more frequent due to climate change.

What are the Challenges in Groundwater Management in India?

• Overexploitation: The Green Revolution escalated groundwater dependence for food security, leading to numerous borewell installations. The Central Groundwater Board indicates that many blocks are overexploited, particularly in north-western, western, and southern India.
• Climate Induced Challenges: Erratic rainfall and rising pollution levels worsen water scarcity. Groundwater is crucial, providing 85% of rural domestic water, 45% of urban water, and over 60% of agricultural irrigation.
• Weak Regulatory Framework: Current regulations cover only 14% of overexploited blocks, allowing unchecked extraction. Early stage regulatory enforcement is lacking, exacerbating resource scarcity.
• Community Involvement and Institutional Weaknesses: While Participatory Groundwater Management (PGM) has empowered communities in certain areas, challenges persist due to weak institutional frameworks and supply failures. Informal committees often lose effectiveness post-project completion, lacking long-term sustainability.
• Subsidies and Usage: Subsidized power for water pumping fuels excessive groundwater extraction. While industrial and domestic usage has surged by 34%, irrigation-related demand has dropped by 36%.

What are the Strategies for Sustainable Groundwater Management?

Address Demand and Supply:

• Supply Side: Initiatives like watershed management and aquifer recharge are essential, but must be paired with demand-side strategies.
• Demand Side: Encouraging water-efficient irrigation techniques (e.g., drip systems) and promoting less water-intensive crops can alleviate pressure on groundwater resources.

Community Participation: Increasing community involvement in governance enhances sustainability, as evidenced by successful PGM implementations in well-defined aquifer regions. Empowering local institutions and building community capacity are vital for effective management.

Regulatory Enhancements: Implementing comprehensive local regulations before blocks reach overexploitation can help prevent further depletion. The long-term viability of institutions like Water User Associations (WUAs) is crucial for sustainable groundwater management.

Cross Sectoral Reform: Reforms that diminish incentives for overexploitation, such as revising power subsidies, are critical for sustainable practices. Redirecting support towards climate-smart agriculture and aligning energy policies with water conservation goals can promote responsible resource use.

Mains Question:

• Analyze the impact of urbanization and industrialization on India’s groundwater resources, noting states with significant depletion. Discuss associated challenges and propose mitigation measures.