Borewells depleting water of future generations: experts

The country is using the water of future generation by excessively drilling borewells, according to an expert.

Speaking at a workshop on rainwater harvesting, organised by the Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat in Mangaluru on Saturday, Narayana Shenoy, professor from Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, said Indians are drawing the highest water from groundwater table by drilling borewells.

By doing this, today’s generation is using the water of future generation.

Dwindling agriculture Quoting a report, he said the excessive withdrawal from groundwater table is one of the reasons for the decline in agriculture output in the country over the years.

Agriculture sector, which contributed around 58 per cent to the GDP of the country at the time of Independence, is now contributing around 8.5 per cent only to the GDP of the country, he said.

The excessive drilling of borewells has led to the depletion in the groundwater table. As a result of this, around 68 per cent of the country is affected by drought now, he said.

Recharging borewells Stressing the need for rainwater harvesting and for recharging the groundwater table, he said the country had 71 types of rainwater harvesting methods.

“We have neglected many of such rainwater harvesting methods in the name of development,” he said.

PI Sreevidya, Chief Executive Officer of Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat, said steps should be taken to conserve groundwater table by recharging borewells and open wells.

Effective use of surface water is the need of the hour, she said.

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