Patna : Bihar is facing increasing pressure on its groundwater resources, with several areas recording declining water levels over the past decade.
Rapid urbanisation, expanding concrete surfaces, loss of green spaces and increasing groundwater extraction are among the factors affecting natural groundwater recharge.
54% Of Monitoring Wells Recorded Decline
According to the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), groundwater levels declined in 54% of monitoring wells between 2015 and 2025, while 46% recorded an increase.
Most of the declining areas in northern Bihar recorded a fall of less than two metres, although some districts reported declines of more than two metres.
The figures show that groundwater conditions vary across Bihar, but long-term declines in several locations remain a concern.
Urbanisation Puts Pressure On Groundwater Recharge
Experts say groundwater availability has changed significantly in several areas over the past 10 to 15 years, with water in some locations now being accessed at greater depths.
Water specialists attribute part of the pressure to rapid urbanisation. The expansion of buildings, roads and paved surfaces reduces the amount of rainwater that can naturally seep into the ground, weakening groundwater recharge.
Environmental specialists also point to the loss of trees and open spaces. Protecting green areas, ponds and other traditional water bodies can help maintain natural water cycles and improve local recharge.
Irrigation Accounts For Most Groundwater Extraction
Bihar’s groundwater pressure is not limited to cities. Agriculture accounts for the largest share of groundwater extraction in the state.
According to the CGWB’s 2024 groundwater resource assessment, irrigation accounted for around 72.46% of Bihar’s total groundwater extraction.
The assessment estimated total groundwater extraction in Bihar at approximately 14.09 billion cubic metres in 2024.
The figures highlight the importance of managing agricultural water demand alongside urban groundwater use.
Rainwater Harvesting Seen As Key Measure
Groundwater researchers say Bihar needs a combination of measures to improve its groundwater balance, including rainwater harvesting, artificial recharge structures, protection of ponds and traditional water bodies, increased green cover and better control of unnecessary concretisation.
The CGWB has also recommended artificial recharge and water-conservation structures as part of sustainable groundwater management.
India’s Groundwater Situation Under Global Focus
India’s groundwater concerns also form part of a wider global water challenge.
The World Meteorological Organization’s State of Global Water Resources 2025 report said around 34% of monitoring stations in India recorded groundwater levels significantly below normal, compared with 25% in 2024.
The report also highlighted long-term groundwater declines in parts of northern and north-western India, linked to prolonged dry conditions and high water demand.
Groundwater Quality Is Another Challenge
The issue is not limited to the quantity of groundwater. Water quality has also been a concern in several parts of Bihar.
The Bihar Economic Survey 2021-22 highlighted groundwater contamination in rural areas of several districts, including concerns involving arsenic, fluoride and iron.
Among the districts mentioned were Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Bhojpur, Buxar, Darbhanga, Katihar, Khagaria, Lakhisarai, Munger, Samastipur, Saran, Sitamarhi, Patna and Vaishali, among others.
The report also identified groundwater-quality concerns in parts of the Kosi basin and several other districts.
Concerns Over Future Water Availability
During a Bihar Assembly budget session in March 2025, the then Water Resources Minister warned that the state could face severe water shortages in the future if corrective measures were not taken.
A study commissioned by the Water Resources Department from IIT Patna under the National Water Mission also examined Bihar’s future water availability.
According to the study, per-capita water availability fell from 1,594 cubic metres in 2001 to around 1,213 cubic metres in 2017. It projected a further decline to around 1,006 cubic metres in 2025 and 635 cubic metres by 2050.
Government Measures
Bihar has undertaken several water-conservation initiatives under the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali campaign.
Projects have also been implemented to improve drinking-water availability in cities such as Gaya, Bodh Gaya, Rajgir and Nawada.
The Ganga water supply project was designed to use surplus water available during the flood season for treated urban water supply.
River-Linking Projects
The state has also pursued projects aimed at improving irrigation and water management.
The Kosi-Mechi Link Project and Bagmati-Burhi Gandak river-linking project are among the initiatives intended to improve irrigation and address aspects of flood and water management.
Balancing Development And Water Security
Bihar’s groundwater challenge is linked to urban expansion, agricultural demand, groundwater extraction and changing recharge patterns.
The CGWB data shows that conditions differ across the state, but the decline recorded across a substantial share of monitoring wells highlights the need for continued monitoring and conservation.
Water-resource specialists say long-term groundwater security will require a balance between development and the protection of open land, green cover, ponds, traditional water bodies and rainwater-recharge systems.
