J&K reviews groundwater resources, stresses conservation and sustainable use
Groundwater availability across 149 assessment units of Jammu and Kashmir will come under a detailed scientific assessment as the Union Territory seeks to strengthen water security, improve resource management and identify priority areas for conservation under GWRA-2026.
The exercise came up for review today at a UT-level Coordination Committee meeting chaired by Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department, Shaleen Kabra, who emphasised accurate data, coordinated departmental efforts and the use of scientific evidence to guide groundwater management interventions.
Kabra directed the Central Ground Water Board to provide technical reports and scientific resources to the concerned departments to facilitate informed decision-making and effective conservation measures.
The meeting focused on strengthening inter-departmental coordination, streamlining data sharing and leveraging scientific expertise to ensure reliable assessment, informed planning and sustainable management of this vital natural resource.
Kabra while highlighting the significance of the exercise also called for close collaboration among all stakeholder departments and agencies to ensure the long-term sustainability of groundwater resources and strengthen water security across Jammu & Kashmir.
He underscored the need for a well coordinated, data-driven and science-based approach to groundwater management, with due emphasis on conservation, efficient utilisation and the long-term protection of available resources.
Earlier, Dr. M. Sivakumar, Regional Director, Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) outlined the agenda, highlighting the importance of scientific groundwater assessment, coordinated data sharing and institutional collaboration for effective groundwater resource management.
Dr. Owais Ahmad, Secretary, Planning, Development and Monitoring Department, emphasised the need for harmonisation of data between CGWB and the concerned UT departments to ensure consistency, reliability and accuracy in the assessment process.
A presentation highlighted CGWB’s role in providing scientific inputs, technical guidance and expert recommendations to support the UT Government in assessing groundwater resources, characterising aquifers and formulating sustainable groundwater management strategies for the times to come.
The committee reviewed the proposed assessment of dynamic groundwater resources across 149 assessment units in Jammu & Kashmir, emphasising the need for timely, accurate and reliable data on groundwater recharge, extraction and associated water conservation structures.
The exercise is expected to provide an important scientific basis for identifying groundwater management priorities and supporting evidence-based interventions for the conservation and sustainable utilisation of this precious resource.
The meeting also reviewed the findings of aquifer management studies undertaken by CGWB in Anantnag, Rajouri and the Jammu Urban Agglomeration. These studies offer valuable scientific insights for identifying area-specific groundwater management challenges, strengthening conservation measures and developing targeted strategies for sustainable groundwater utilisation.