Jaipur, January 21, 2025.
Rajasthan’s groundwater table rose significantly by 5.84 metres (statewide average) between the pre and post-monsoon period in 2024, says a report by the state’s ground water department. Thanks to a plentiful monsoon, groundwater levels rose more than the statewide average in 14 districts, but in Jaipur they fell short—the rise was only 4.7 metres.
The report, yet to be released officially, is based on a random sample of wells, borewells, and other water sources. It highlights that Rajasthan received 888 mm of monsoon rainfall this year, surpassing the seasonal average and substantially replenishing groundwater levels. Among districts, Chittorgarh recorded the highest rise in groundwater level at 14 metres, followed by Sawai Madhopur (13.32 m), Bundi (11.84 m), and Bhilwara (10.89 m).
Chittorgarh district magistrate Alok Ranjan told , “Chittorgarh’s rough terrain makes most of the area unsuitable for natural water recharge. However, in the past year, we implemented 889 water conservation projects, including anicuts, ponds, trenches, revival of old water sources, farm ponds, and mini storage tanks. These efforts have significantly contributed to the revival of the groundwater table.”
Despite a good monsoon spell, Jaipur’s groundwater recharge stayed at 4.7 metres, falling below the state average of 5.84 metres. Some of the district’s 16 blocks recorded especially poor figures, such as Shahpura (1.04 m) and Sambhar (1.69 m). Paota (15 m) and Kotputli (9.49 m) saw the highest gains. Jhotwara, covering a major portion of Jaipur’s urban space, recorded a 3.27-metre rise.
“Twelve blocks in Jaipur recorded minimal recharge despite good monsoon rainfall. The marginal increase of just 4 metres will lead to over-exploitation of groundwater during summer,” said L K Sharma, head of the environment department at Central University of Rajasthan. He also noted that groundwater consumption increased significantly in irrigation, while industrial and domestic use saw a marginal rise, last year.
Nagaur recorded the lowest groundwater recharge in the state at 0.18 metres, suggesting deficient rainfall in the district.
Officials credit govt initiatives like Atal Bhujal Yojana, MGNREGA, and Jal Swavlamban Yojana for conserving rainwater and improving groundwater levels. “Special efforts have been made to revive the groundwater table. Additionally, campaigns such as Hariyalo Rajasthan under CM Bhajan Lal Sharma contributed to increasing the state’s green cover,” said an official from the ground water department.
