National Aquifer Mapping and Management Programme (NAQUIM) was initiated in 2012 and out of ~32 lakh km2 of the entire country, an area of ~25 lakh km2 has been identified to be covered under aquifer mapping in phases. During the XII plan (2012-17), major thrust was on an area of 5.26 lakh km2 covering parts of eight priority States (Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu) and Bundelkhand areas of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. These areas have been prioritiesed considering over-exploitation, ground water contamination and other issues. In addition to these priority areas, aquifer mapping was also taken up in other parts of the country. By the end of March 2017, aquifer maps were prepared and management plans were developed for an area of 6.31 lakh km2 covering parts of 26 States & 3 UTs in parts of eight priority states, Bundelkhand region and other areas of the country (Fig.2).