Solutions to Water Shortage, Water

Security, Water Quality & Falling Water

Tables

Submitted By: ARPAN KUMAR ADHIKARI

Roll No.: M3WRP2010
Registration No.: 1662157 of 2023-24
2nd Year, 1st Semester (Evening)
M.E. in Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering
School of Water Resources Engineering
Jadavpur University August, 2024
 I would like to take this opportunity to convey my sincere gratitude to the Professors of
School of Water Resources Engineering, Jadavpur University; for their kind and valuable
guidance in the preparation of the seminar report and for their active encouragement and
continued support all along.

ARPAN KUMAR ADHIKARI

Roll No.: M3WRP2010

 Abstract

Water scarcity is a growing global concern due to climate change, rapid population growth,
and excessive water consumption. The Central Water Commission (CWC) 2020 report
highlights a serious gap between freshwater availability and demand, leading to supply
shortages across many regions. Additionally, the Groundwater Resources Assessment
(GWRA) 2022 report warns of over-extraction of groundwater, particularly in agricultural
areas, where excessive withdrawal is causing declining water tables and worsening water
quality.

Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) has emerged as an effective solution to restore

groundwater levels and ensure sustainable water availability. This approach involves storing
excess water in underground aquifers using monsoon runoff, treated wastewater, or farm
runoff, allowing it to be accessed when needed. A study conducted in Jiwai Jadid village,
Rampur district, India, demonstrated how MAR can reduce seasonal water shortages,
support irrigation, and prevent water wastage by Alam et al. Similar studies worldwide
further highlight the success of MAR:

1. Udaipur, Rajasthan, India – A field study (2016–2018) evaluated direct well

recharge structures (DWRS) in the Dharta watershed, where 11 wells were used to
filter and harvest farm runoff, increasing groundwater recharge in a semi-arid hard rock
region by Soni et al.

2. Kamadhiya catchment of Saurashtra, Gujarat - Approximately 27,000 check dams were

constructed by 2018 to enhance groundwater recharge. The study analyzed long-term data from
1983 to 2015 to assess the effectiveness of these structures by Alam et al. (2022).

As water demand continues to rise, expanding MAR projects is essential for long-term
water security. However, challenges like clogging, site selection, and maintenance must be
addressed. By integrating MAR with existing water management strategies, it can play a
crucial role in sustainable groundwater conservation, climate resilience, and agricultural
sustainability.

Keywords:
Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR), Groundwater Recharge, Water Security, Climate
Resilience, Irrigation Efficiency, Water Conservation, Check Dams, Flood Mitigation, Water
Table Decline, Hydrogeology, Sustainable Agriculture, Aquifer Storage, Rainwater Harvesting,
Groundwater Depletion, Infiltration Techniques.
 Index

Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 1

Literature Review .................................................................................................................. 2

Study Area ............................................................................................................................ 6

Necessities of MAR ............................................................................................................... 8

Methodology ....................................................................................................................... 10

Results and Discussions ........................................................................................................13

Conclusions ..........................................................................................................................16

References ............................................................................................................................17
 1

CHAPTER - 1

Introduction
Water scarcity and declining groundwater levels have become major challenges for sustainable
water resource management in India. With a growing population, increasing agricultural demands,
and climate change-induced variability in rainfall, groundwater depletion is worsening across the
country. Many regions, particularly in semi-arid and hard rock terrains, experience excessive
groundwater extraction, far surpassing natural recharge rates. This overextraction has led to
significant declines in groundwater levels, negatively affecting agriculture, drinking water supply,
and overall water security. Addressing this crisis requires innovative and sustainable solutions, and
one such approach is Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR).
MAR is a technique that enhances groundwater storage by artificially recharging aquifers using
surplus water sources such as monsoon runoff, farm runoff, treated wastewater, and surface water
bodies. The method is particularly relevant in India, where a large portion of irrigation and domestic
water needs rely on groundwater. MAR has been successfully implemented at both community and
farm levels, demonstrating its potential to replenish groundwater reserves, improve water quality, and
mitigate seasonal water shortages.
Several studies in India highlight the effectiveness of MAR in different hydrogeological conditions.
A pilot study in Jiwai Jadid village, Rampur district (Alam et al., 2020) used village ponds to recharge
groundwater, significantly improving water availability while mitigating flooding. Similarly, a study
in Udaipur, Rajasthan (Soni et al., 2020) demonstrated that Direct Well Recharge Structures (DWRS)
helped farmers capture and store farm runoff, ensuring sustained water availability even during dry
periods. These decentralized MAR techniques are particularly beneficial for smallholder farmers who
lack access to large-scale recharge systems like check dams.
Other studies provide additional insights into MAR’s performance and challenges. In Gujarat’s
Kamadhiya catchment, research (Alam et al., 2022) assessed the long-term impact of check dams on
groundwater recharge, food production, and resilience. While the study found MAR effective in
enhancing water storage, it also highlighted that increasing irrigation demand could outpace recharge
benefits, stressing the need for integrated water demand management. Another study on clogging
issues in MAR systems (Melbourne, Australia) emphasized the importance of filtration techniques and
regular maintenance to sustain recharge efficiency and prevent water quality deterioration.

These studies collectively demonstrate that MAR can be a powerful tool for groundwater
conservation in India. However, challenges such as seasonal variations, maintenance requirements,
and site-specific hydrogeological constraints must be carefully considered. The objective of this paper
is to analyze MAR’s effectiveness through a review of these studies, evaluate the observed outcomes,
and identify key challenges and opportunities for large-scale implementation in India. By integrating
MAR with broader water management strategies, policymakers and communities can work toward
ensuring long-term water security and agricultural sustainability.
 2

CHAPTER - 2

Literature Review

Managed Aquifer Recharge for Water Resilience

Peter Dillon, Enrique Fern´andez Escalante, Sharon B. Megdal and Gudrun Massm
Water 2020, 12, 1846, doi:10.3390/w12071846

The study "Managed Aquifer Recharge for Water Resilience" by Dillon et al. (2020) explores the
role of Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) in addressing global water challenges such as shortages,
declining water quality, and falling water tables. The authors present MAR as a viable solution to
enhance water security, improve water quality, and support groundwater-dependent ecosystems. The
paper emphasizes the importance of MAR in increasing the reliability of water supplies during
droughts and emergencies. It also highlights MAR's potential to counteract water quality
degradation caused by saline intrusion or pollution. The study underscores the necessity of
integrating MAR into comprehensive water management strategies to bolster resilience against
climate change and anthropogenic pressures.Integration of numerical models to simulate 2D
hydrodynamic/water quality model of contaminant concentration in Shatt Al-Arab River with
WRDB calibration tools

Impact of high-density managed aquifer recharge implementation on groundwater storage,

food production and resilience: A case from Gujarat,
Mohammad Faiz Alam , Paul Pavelic, Karen G. Villholth , Alok Sikka ,Saket Pande
Water 2020, 12, 1846, doi:10.3390/w12071846
International Water Management Institute, Delhi, India., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrh.2022.101224

Water scarcity and groundwater depletion are critical challenges that require effective management
strategies. One such approach is Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR), which enhances groundwater
storage and improves water availability. The study by Alam et al. (2022) examines the large-scale
implementation of check dams (CDs) in Gujarat, India, and their impact on groundwater storage,
food production, and resilience.

Impact of MAR through Check Dams in Gujarat, India

In the Kamadhiya catchment of Saurashtra, Gujarat, approximately 27,000 check dams were
constructed by 2018 to enhance groundwater recharge. The study analyzed long-term data from 1983
to 2015 to assess the effectiveness of these structures. While the findings indicated increased
groundwater storage, the rising demand for irrigation outpaced the recharge benefits, especially
during dry years. This highlights the need for integrated water management, combining MAR with
efficient water-use practices to ensure long-term sustainability.
 3
Complementary Research on MAR and Water Management

Additional studies support the idea that MAR alone is not sufficient to address water
scarcity. Research on community rainwater harvesting structures showed that while they effectively
increase water availability for irrigation, their benefits are most pronounced in years with adequate
rainfall. However, without proper water conservation measures, these interventions may not
provide sustainable solutions in the long run.

Key Takeaways

 MAR through check dams improves groundwater recharge but is insufficient to meet
increasing irrigation demands during dry periods.
 Sustainable water management requires a combination of MAR and demand-side
measures, such as efficient irrigation techniques and water conservation policies.
 Long-term groundwater sustainability depends on integrating MAR with broader resource
management strategies to balance water supply and consumption.

This review underscores the importance of a holistic approach to water resource management, where
MAR is complemented by effective water-use policies to achieve sustainable groundwater
conservation.

Article Managed Aquifer Recharge of Monsoon runoff Using Village Ponds: Performance
Assessment of a Pilot Trial in the Ramganga Basin, India
Mohammad Faiz Alam , Paul Pavelic , Navneet Sharma and Alok Sikka
Water 2020, 12, 1028; doi:10.3390/w12041028

Water scarcity and groundwater depletion are growing challenges, especially in regions where
agriculture relies heavily on groundwater. The study "Managed Aquifer Recharge of Monsoon
Runoff Using Village Ponds: Performance Assessment of a Pilot Trial in the Ramganga Basin,
India" by Alam et al. (2020) examines how Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) can help tackle
these issues.

Study Overview

The research focused on using village ponds to capture and store monsoon runoff in the Ramganga
Basin, India, an area that faces both groundwater depletion and seasonal flooding. The study
monitored a pilot MAR system for several years, assessing its impact on groundwater levels, water
quality, and flood management.

Key Findings

 Groundwater Recharge: The MAR system helped increase groundwater levels, showing
that village ponds can be effective for storing excess rainwater.
 4
 Flood Reduction: Redirecting monsoon runoff to ponds helped reduce flooding, preventing
water from going to waste.
 Water Quality: The water stored in the system remained safe for irrigation and domestic
use, proving that MAR can be a reliable solution.

Importance for Water Management

This study highlights how simple and cost-effective solutions like MAR can improve water
availability, support farming, and reduce the impact of floods. It also shows that involving local
communities and combining traditional water storage methods with modern science can create
sustainable water management practices.

In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into how MAR can be used in rural areas to
enhance groundwater recharge and water security, making it a promising approach for regions
facing similar challenges.

Figure 1. (A): The location of the UTFI pond and the installed piezometers at the pilot site (P1 to
P7 = piezometers); (B): The completed UTFI pilot site; (C): A simplified vertical cross section of
the UTFI pond; (D): A schematic of the pond showing the locations of recharge wells within the pond
(RW1 to RW10 = recharge wells).

Article Managed Aquifer Recharge at a Farm Level: Evaluating the Performance of Direct Well
Recharge Structures
Prahlad Soni , Yogita Dashora , Basant Maheshwari , Peter Dillon , Pradeep Singh and
 5
Anupama Kumar
Water 2020, 12, 1069; doi:10.3390/w12041069

The study "Managed Aquifer Recharge at a Farm Level: Evaluating the Performance of
Direct Well Recharge Structures" by Prahlad Soni et al. (2020) focuses on the role of Direct
Well Recharge Structures (DWRS) in improving groundwater storage at the farm level.
Conducted in the Dharta watershed, Rajasthan, India, the study evaluated the performance of 11
wells fitted with DWRS over a three-year period (2016–2018). These structures were designed to
harvest and filter farm runoff before channeling it into open dug wells, enhancing groundwater
recharge in semi-arid hard rock regions.

Key Findings

The study demonstrated that DWRS can significantly enhance groundwater recharge, particularly
in areas where natural infiltration is limited. Water levels in the recharge wells increased, allowing
farmers to sustain irrigation during dry months. This highlights the potential of DWRS as an effective
small-scale water conservation strategy for individual farms.

Water quality was also a notable factor in this study. The filtration mechanisms in DWRS helped
reduce sedimentation, leading to improved water clarity and quality in recharged wells. This
ensured that stored water remained suitable for agriculture and other uses.

Despite the benefits, challenges such as seasonal variations and maintenance needs were
observed. Recharge efficiency was highest during monsoons and declined in drier periods.
Additionally, regular maintenance was necessary to prevent clogging of recharge structures and
maintain long-term effectiveness.

Implications for Water Management

The study underscores the importance of farm-level MAR solutions like DWRS in regions where
centralized recharge structures are not accessible. It suggests that scaling up such approaches can
improve water security and support sustainable agriculture. However, site selection, periodic
maintenance, and farmer awareness are essential for ensuring long-term success.

Overall, this research provides valuable insights into decentralized groundwater recharge
techniques that can help address water scarcity and agricultural resilience in water-stressed regions
like Rajasthan.
 6

CHAPTER - 3

Study Area

Source : Article Managed Aquifer Recharge of Monsoon runoff Using Village Ponds: Performance Assessment of a Pilot Trial in
the Ramganga Basin, India by Alam et al.
Figure 2

Figure 3. Location of the

Ramganga basin indicating
the location of observation
wells, flow gauges, rain
gauges and meteorological
stations

Sorce: Modeling the

potential for floodwater
recharge to offset
groundwater depletion: a
case study from the
Ramganga basin, India by
Chinnasamy et al
 7
 Ramganga Basin, India (Alam et al., 2020; Chinnasamy et al., 2018)

 Located in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, covering ~19,000 km².

 Faces severe groundwater depletion (0.5–1.5 m per year) and seasonal flooding.
 MAR interventions using village ponds and floodwater recharge have improved
groundwater storage and reduced flood risks.

 Dharta Watershed, Udaipur, Rajasthan (Soni et al., 2020)

 A semi-arid hard rock region with limited natural infiltration.

 Study evaluated Direct Well Recharge Structures (DWRS) to harvest farm runoff
and enhance local groundwater availability.

 Kamadhiya Catchment, Saurashtra, Gujarat (Alam et al., 2022)

 Over 27,000 check dams constructed for MAR to boost groundwater recharge.
 Study found that while recharge improved, rising irrigation demand reduced net
benefits, highlighting the need for integrated water management.
 8

CHAPTER - 4

Necessities of Managed Aquifer Recharge

India is experiencing a serious groundwater crisis, with annual groundwater extraction exceeding 250
billion cubic meters (bcm), making it the largest consumer of groundwater globally. The Dynamic
Ground Water Resources of India, 2022 (GWRA 2022) report highlights that over 60% of assessed units
are classified as over-exploited, critical, or semi-critical, with regions like Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan,
and Uttar Pradesh facing severe depletion. Additionally, the Central Water Commission's (CWC) Water
and Related Statistics, 2020 report highlights a growing water supply-demand gap, estimating that
India’s total annual water demand is 1,180 bcm, while its renewable water availability is 1,123 bcm,
creating a 57 bcm deficit. The agricultural sector accounts for 80% of water consumption, further
straining resources.

To address these challenges, Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) has emerged as an effective
solution to store excess water, replenish groundwater, and mitigate seasonal floods. MAR involves
capturing monsoon runoff, filtering it, and channeling it underground, ensuring sustainable water
availability for irrigation and domestic use.

How MAR Helps

1. Improving Groundwater Levels

 In Jiwai Jadid, Rampur, MAR using village ponds facilitated the recharge of 26,000 to 62,000
cubic meters of water annually, enhancing irrigation for 8–18 hectares of crops (Alam et al.,
2020).
 A study in the Ramganga Basin demonstrated that large-scale MAR could raise groundwater
levels by up to 7 meters within five years (Chinnasamy et al., 2018).
 9
 Projected Impact: Expanding MAR across 10% of India’s agricultural districts could increase
groundwater storage by 50–100 bcm annually, helping sustain millions of farmers.

2. Reducing Flood Damage

 MAR models in the Ramganga Basin indicated that MAR interventions reduced peak flood
volume by 20% and decreased flooded areas by 10% (Chinnasamy et al., 2018).
 Projected Impact: Implementing MAR in flood-prone river basins (e.g., Ganges, Brahmaputra,
Mahanadi) could reduce flood-related economic losses by $2–3 billion annually.

3. Supporting Agriculture and Water Security

 GWRA 2022 reports that 1,006 out of 7,089 assessed groundwater units are over-exploited,
creating severe irrigation challenges for farmers.
 CWC 2020 data shows that demand for irrigation water alone is 910 bcm annually, highlighting
the urgent need for efficient recharge systems.
 By capturing just 20% of excess monsoon runoff, India could increase groundwater reserves by
100–150 bcm annually, ensuring water security for 200–300 million people.
 10

CHAPTER - 5

Methodology

The pilot trial was conducted in Jiwai Jadid village, Rampur district, Uttar Pradesh, utilizing a village
pond-based MAR system to enhance groundwater recharge. The pond, measuring 75 × 35 meters with a
depth of 2.5 meters, had a maximum storage capacity of 5,250 cubic meters. It was connected to 10
recharge wells (RW1–RW10), each 24–30 meters deep, through 150 mm diameter PVC pipes. To
ensure efficient infiltration, a de-siltation chamber was installed at the pond’s inlet to filter out
suspended particles before directing water into the recharge wells.

For operation and maintenance, the system required regular desilting of the pond and cleaning of
recharge wells to prevent clogging. The infiltration capacity was monitored through piezometers (P1–
P5) installed around the recharge wells to track groundwater level fluctuations and recharge
effectiveness. The MAR system was designed to capture excess monsoon runoff from the Left Pilakhar
Canal, preventing floodwater loss while replenishing underground reserves. Recharge rates,
groundwater level changes, and clogging impacts were monitored over three years (2016–2018) to
assess system performance and long-term sustainability.

Figure 4. (A): The location of the UTFI pond and the installed piezometers at the pilot site (P1 to P7 = piezometers);
(B): The completed UTFI pilot site; (C): A simplified vertical cross section of the UTFI pond; (D): A schematic of the pond
showing the locations of recharge wells within the pond (RW1 to RW10 = recharge wells).

Source : Article Managed Aquifer Recharge of Monsoon runoff Using Village Ponds: Performance Assessment of a Pilot Trial
in the Ramganga Basin, India by Alam et al.
 11

 Methods of Monitoring and Data Collection:

The study by Alam et al. (2020) in the Ramganga Basin monitored Managed Aquifer Recharge
(MAR) using village ponds and recharge wells, measuring recharge rates, groundwater level
fluctuations, and system efficiency over three years (2016–2018). Piezometers (P1–P5) were
installed near recharge wells (RW1–RW10) to track water table variations, while regular
maintenance and sediment monitoring ensured system effectiveness.

1. Daily Recharge Volume from UTFI Pond

VUTFI(d)=Qr×Td

 VUTFI(d) = Daily recharge volume (m³/day), the total amount of water infiltrating the aquifer
per day.
 Td = Operational recharge time per day (hours/day), indicating the duration for which the
system is active each day.
 12

2. Total Recharge Volume Over Time:

𝑇

Vr = ∑ VUTFI(d)
𝑑=1

 Vr = Total groundwater recharge volume (m³)

 T = Total recharge duration (days/year)
 VUTFI(d) = Daily recharge volume (m³/day)

Vmax=Ap×dmax×η
Vmax = Maximum recharge volume (m³), the theoretical highest amount of water that can be stored and
recharged.
Ap = Surface area of the pond (m²), determining the total area available for water storage.
dmax = Maximum pond water depth (m), indicating the deepest point of water storage before overflow.
η = Recharge efficiency factor (dimensionless, between 0 and 1), accounting for infiltration losses
due to soil permeability and clogging.

3. Effective Recharge Considering Clogging Losses

Veff = Vr×(1−λ)

Veff = Effective recharge volume (m³), the actual groundwater recharge after accounting for clogging
effects.
Vr = Total estimated recharge volume (m³) (from Equation 2).
λ = Clogging factor (dimensionless, between 0 and 1), representing the fraction of infiltration loss due
to clogging.

𝑉𝑟
Δh =
𝐴𝑠 𝑋 𝑆𝑦

 Δh = Rise in groundwater level (m), indicating how much the water table increases due to
recharge.
 As = Surface area of the aquifer influenced by recharge (m²), defining the spread of
recharged water underground.

 Sy = Specific yield of the aquifer (dimensionless, between 0 and 1), representing the
fraction of stored water that contributes to groundwater recharge.

These equations provide a scientific framework for evaluating the performance of UTFI ponds in
recharging groundwater, optimizing recharge efficiency, and predicting long-term aquifer
impacts. By incorporating factors such as clogging, recharge duration, and aquifer properties, they
enable researchers and policymakers to design better MAR systems for sustainable water
management in regions facing water scarcity and over-extraction.
 13

CHAPTER - 6

Result And Discssion

Figure 5 Source : Article Managed Aquifer Recharge of Monsoon runoff Using Village Ponds: Performance Assessment of a
Pilot Trial in the Ramganga Basin, India by Alam et al.

Observed groundwater levels (depth below ground level in mbgl) for piezometers and recharge wells (RW1 and
RW10) with pond water levels over the period from January 2016 to November 2018. The grey shaded areas
represent the periods of UTFI recharge operations. The dashed line shows the minimum pond level for which
well recharge takes place

 Recharge Performance Over Three Years:

1. The pilot UTFI system recharged between 26,000 to 62,000 m³ annually over three years (2016–
2018).
2. The average recharge rate was 580 m³/day, with a range from 430 to 775 m³/day depending on
the year.
3. The total volume recharged was 5–11.8 times the pond's total storage capacity.

 Seasonal & Annual Variations:

1. The recharge period lasted 62 to 85 days each year, with recharge continuing even in dry
periods when pond water was above dead storage.
 14

2. Highest recharge (61,969 m³) occurred in 2017, a low rainfall year, due to higher available
gravity head.

3. Lowest recharge (26,207 m³) was in 2018, a high rainfall year, as increased groundwater levels
reduced the recharge capacity.

 Recharge Rate Decline Over Time:

1. Recharge rates gradually declined each season, with reductions of 72.4% (2016), 88.4% (2017),
and 95.7% (2018) from initial values.

2. This decline was due to clogging (sediment deposition) and rising groundwater levels reducing
the gravity-driven recharge.

 Impact on Irrigation Potential:

1. The water recharged could irrigate 8–18 hectares of rabi (winter) crops, demonstrating its
contribution to agriculture.

2. However, recharge effectiveness varied with climatic conditions and maintenance efforts.

Comparative Study of Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) Studies in India and Other Regions
Below is a detailed comparative analysis of the four MAR studies, summarizing key aspects such as
methods used, outcomes, challenges, and conclusions.

Study Location Method Used Key Outcomes Challenges/Shortcomings Conclusion

- Increased
groundwater
Village ponds
recharge
Village pond- can serve as an
significantly
Managed Jiwai based MAR - Clogging due to effective
over three
Aquifer Jadid system sedimentation affected decentralized
years. - Helped
Recharge Village, (Underground recharge efficiency. - MAR
in irrigation of
Using Village Rampur Transfer of Recharge rates declined approach, but
8-18 hectares of
Ponds (Alam District, Floods for over time due to rising require regular
rabi crops. -
et al., 2020) India Irrigation - groundwater levels. maintenance to
Mitigated
UTFI) sustain
seasonal water
recharge rates.
shortages and
minor flooding.
- Improved
groundwater
DWRS is an
levels in hard
effective
MAR Using Dharta rock regions
- Recharge efficiency small-scale
Direct Well Watershe with low
Direct well fluctuated with seasonal MAR
Recharge d, infiltration. -
recharge using variations. - Sediment technique, but
Structures Udaipur Provided
farm runoff and accumulation required needs proper
(DWRS) District, localized water
open dug wells frequent cleaning and filtration and
(Soni et al., Rajasthan storage for
maintenance. maintenance to
2020) , India smallholder
prevent
farmers. -
clogging.
Enhanced
irrigation
 15
Study Location Method Used Key Outcomes Challenges/Shortcomings Conclusion
potential during
dry periods.
Check dams
- Significant are highly
Kamadhi
improvement in effective for
Impact of ya
groundwater - Rising irrigation demand MAR, but
High-Density Catchmen
Check dams for storage. - reduced net benefits of require
MAR Using t,
large-scale MAR Increased recharge. - Dry-year integrated
Check Dams Saurashtr
implementation agricultural recharge efficiency was water
(Alam et al., a Region,
resilience in lower than expected. management
2022) Gujarat,
semi-arid to balance
India
regions. recharge and
demand.

Effectiveness of MAR in Groundwater Recharge and Flood Reduction:

1. Groundwater Storage Enhancement:

o The MAR system in Jiwai Jadid, Rampur (Alam et al., 2020) recharged 26,000 to
62,000 cubic meters annually using village ponds.
o Chinnasamy et al. (2018) simulated MAR scenarios in the Ramganga Basin, showing
that recharge interventions could raise groundwater levels by up to 7 meters in 5 years.
o Projected Impact: If MAR is implemented in 10% of India’s agricultural districts,
groundwater storage could increase by 50–100 bcm annually, equivalent to 40% of
India’s current groundwater extraction.

2. Flood Peak Reduction:

o The HEC-RAS model in Chinnasamy et al. (2018) showed that MAR interventions
converted a 15-year flood peak to an 8-year peak, reducing peak flood volume by 20%
and flooded areas by 10%.
o Projected Impact: Implementing MAR across major flood-prone basins (e.g., Ganges,
Brahmaputra, and Mahanadi) could reduce flood-related economic losses by $2–3
billion per year.

3. Agricultural Sustainability:
o The MAR system in Rampur (Alam et al., 2020) supported irrigation for 8–18 hectares
of rabi crops per year.
o Projected Impact: Expanding MAR structures to cover 5 million hectares could increase
irrigation water availability by 25–40 bcm per year, improving crop yields by 15–30%
in water-scarce regions.
o By capturing just 20% of excess monsoon water, India could increase groundwater
reserves by 100–150 bcm per year, ensuring water availability for 200–300 million
people.
 16

CHAPTER - 6
Conclusions
India’s growing water crisis, driven by over-extraction of groundwater, increasing irrigation
demand, and seasonal flooding, highlights the urgent need for sustainable water management strategies.
Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) has emerged as a viable solution to restore groundwater levels,
reduce flood risks, and enhance agricultural water security. Studies in the Ramganga Basin (Alam et al.,
2020; Chinnasamy et al., 2018), Dharta Watershed (Soni et al., 2020), and Saurashtra (Alam et al.,
2022) demonstrate the effectiveness of MAR using village ponds, check dams, and direct well recharge
structures, contributing to groundwater replenishment and improved irrigation potential.

Mathematical assessments confirm that UTFI-based MAR systems can recharge tens of thousands of
cubic meters of water annually, potentially raising groundwater levels by up to 7 meters over five years
(Chinnasamy et al., 2018). Moreover, national reports from the Central Water Commission (CWC,
2020) and the Groundwater Resources Assessment (GWRA, 2022) indicate a 57 bcm water supply-
demand deficit and widespread groundwater over-exploitation across 1,006 out of 7,089 assessed units,
further emphasizing the need for MAR expansion.

Despite the promising results, existing research does not fully address several critical aspects of MAR
sustainability and scalability:

1. Long-term Performance and Sustainability

o Most MAR studies, including those in the Ramganga Basin and Gujarat, have focused
on short-term performance (3–5 years), leaving uncertainties about long-term
groundwater storage stability and infrastructure durability (Alam et al., 2020; Alam et
al., 2022).
o Future research should assess decadal-scale performance and the economic viability of
MAR projects, considering operational costs, maintenance challenges, and climate
variability impacts.
2. Hydrogeological Variability and Site Selection
o MAR effectiveness varies based on aquifer properties, soil permeability, and water table
depth. However, studies like Soni et al. (2020) focus on specific hard rock regions,
limiting their applicability to alluvial or coastal aquifers.
o There is a need for hydrogeological mapping and AI-driven site selection models to
optimize MAR placement across diverse terrains.
3. Clogging, Water Quality, and Filtration Techniques
o Clogging of recharge wells due to sedimentation and biological growth has been
identified as a major limiting factor in MAR sustainability (Alam et al., 2020).
o Future research should develop low-cost, self-cleaning filtration mechanisms and
explore the impact of MAR on groundwater contamination risks, particularly in
fluoride- and arsenic-affected regions.
4. Flood Mitigation and Climate Resilience
o While MAR has been shown to reduce flood peaks by up to 20% in the Ramganga
Basin (Chinnasamy et al., 2018), there is limited large-scale hydrological modeling to
evaluate its effectiveness in major flood-prone basins like the Ganges, Brahmaputra,
and Mahanadi.
o Future studies should integrate remote sensing, real-time monitoring, and machine
learning models to assess MAR’s role in climate change adaptation.

Expanding MAR to flood-prone basins like the Ganges and Brahmaputra could significantly enhance
water resilience and agricultural sustainability. However, its long-term impact, efficiency across
different hydrogeological conditions, and integration with flood management strategies require further
research. With scientifically validated methodologies, improved maintenance practices, and policy-
driven implementation, MAR has the potential to secure water for millions, sustain agriculture, and
mitigate climate-induced water challenges in India.
 17
References

 Alam, M.F., Barron, J., Karthikeyan, L., Sharma, B.R., Prasad, S., & Garg, K.K.
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