Considering the existing issues of ground water over-exploitation, contamination and other related issues, Central Ground Water Board under MoWR, RD & GR has embarked upon the new initiative of Aquifer Mapping and Management Programme. The programme has been taken up under Ground Water Management and Regulation Plan Scheme of XII plan. Major objectives of the programme are

• Delineation and characterization of aquifers in three dimensions
• Identification and quantification of issues
• Development of management plans to ensure sustainability of ground water resources.

Under the initiative, management plans for each aquifer system are being prepared suggesting various interventions to optimize ground water withdrawal and identifying aquifers with portable groundwater for drinking purpose in quality affected areas. The management options also includes identification of feasible area for artificial recharge to ground water and water conservation which help in arresting declining water levels besides demand side management option including crop diversification, increasing water use efficiency etc.