A multidisciplinary approach using advanced tools and techniques including remote sensing, GIS, geophysical techniques, ground water modeling etc. is being followed for preparation of aquifer maps and development of management plans. In order to study the application of advanced techniques six pilot projects were taken up in 5 different States representing the hydrogeological complexity of the country. The areas were Maharashtra (part of Nagpur district), Rajasthan (parts of Dausa and Jaisalmer districts), Bihar (part of Patna district), Karnataka (part of Tumkur district) and Tamilnadu (part of Cuddalore district). The learning of the Pilot projects have been synthesized and adopted in nationwide Aquifer Mapping and Management programme.

The flow diagram for preparation of aquifer maps and management plans are as follows:

A mutli-tier evaluation process has been put in place to ensure quality of outputs. The aquifer maps and management plans prepared by the team of officers are first reviewed by the Regional Directors of the respective regions of CGWB. The revised maps and management plans are then presented before the concerned members of CGWB at the central headquarters level. Subsequently the maps and management plans are presented before the National level expert committee (NLEC) constituted for this purpose. Domain specialists, who are part of the expert committee, include ground water specialists from JNU, Delhi; IIT, Roorkee; retired Chairman of CGWB; Agriculture Scientists etc. Agriculture scientists of ICAR have also been associated in finalization of management plans for each State. In order to coordinate on various issues related to aquifer mapping, between the State and Union Government, State Ground Water Coordination Committee (SGWCC) has been formed in each state and UT, headed by the principal secretary of the concerned department. The outputs are shared and deliberated in State Ground Water Coordination Committee with an objective to have mutual agreement on the proposed aquifer-wise ground water management plans which can be implemented by State Government.