PARTICIPATORY GROUNDWATER

MANAGEMENT
A collective effort towards addressing India’s water security

1
 Participatory Groundwater Management:
A collective effort towards addressing India’s water security

Citation: (2015), Arghyam, Participatory Groundwater Management: A collective effort towards addressing India’s water security

First published by Arghyam, Bengaluru, 2015

All photographs by PGWM Resource Centres, India Water Portal and Arghyam

Acknowledgement
This document is derived from the collective
experiences of the core Participatory
Groundwater Management (PGWM)
Resource Centres and is a reflection of the
work of many organizations on the ground
across India. We acknowledge the extensive
work and commitment of Advanced
Center for Water Resources Development
and Management (ACWADAM), People’s
Science Institute (PSI), Arid Communities
and Technologies (ACT), Watershed Support
Services and Activities Network (WASSAN)
and Megh Pyne Abhiyan (MPA) towards
furthering and championing Participatory
Groundwater Management in India and for
showing a realistic way to address India’s
water security.

Participatory Groundwater Management is

supported by Arghyam.

For more information on this program please contact:

Advocacy, Research and Communications

Arghyam
#599, 12th Main, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar, Bangalore, Karnataka,
India, Pin-560008. Tel: +91 80 41698941/42
Email: pgwm@arghyam.org | Website: www.arghyam.org

2 3
 Groundwater
An endangered resource in India 4 Introducing Participatory 14
Groundwater Management
A sustainable solution

Development to
management
8
Moving towards sustainability
Why PGWM and how it works
Demystifying science and stimulating participation 18
Groundwater management approaches
A critical look 10
PGWM
Impact Stories
PGWM
What next? 30
Why is participation key? 12
Decentralizing efforts and empowering
communities 22
4 5
 India is the largest user of groundwater in the world.

GROUNDWATER
A study done in 2010 estimates India’s usage as nearly one-
fourth of groundwater consumption globally1. Groundwater
meets 60% of nation’s irrigation demand, almost 90%
of domestic rural demand and around 50% of domestic

An endangered resource in India urban demand. An indiscriminate use of groundwater to

meet these demands is impacting an increasing number of
aquifers (underground layers of water-bearing permeable
rock that hold and transmit groundwater). A 2004
nationwide assessment shows 28% of groundwater blocks,
as compared to 7% in 1995 to be in semi-critical, critical,
or overexploited categories2. 10 years hence, today the
situation is likely to be far worse. We are hurtling towards
a crisis. Dried up rivers, falling water tables, drinking water
and food security are some of the severe problems facing
2010 us already. If the current trends continue, some estimates
suggest that within 20 years 60% aquifers in India will be in
a critical condition3. To tackle this situation, it is important
to understand how groundwater development is achieved in
the country and why there is a need for a paradigm shift in
this philosophy.

In the early 1970s, right after the Green Revolution, drilling

technology was introduced and widely adopted in India
owing to government subsidies and easy availability of
inexpensive pumps and drilling technologies. With small
1940 investments, farmers could dig tube/borewells in their
backyard and provide flexible, on-demand irrigation to
support the growing need of providing food and ensuring
India’s groundwater consumption has grown food security for the rural and urban populations. This,
from 20 km3/year in 1940 to 260 km3/year in 2010,
alongwith widespread drilling for domestic purposes have
sharply rising after 1970 and globally the highest
today resulted in close to 30 million wells, tubewells and borewells
in India today.4

As a result, groundwater development which was critical

to food security and was conceived as a solution has now
Kamaguna village in Kutch district in Gujarat
become a problem. Over-extraction of groundwater in the
last two decades has threatened drinking water security of
at least 60% districts5 in the country. This single statistic
necessitates moving from ‘groundwater development’ to
‘groundwater management’ in India.

60-70% 1 (2010), World Bank, ‘Deep Wells and Prudence: Towards Pragmatic Action for
Addressing Groudnwater Overexploitation in India’
2 (2007), Planning Commission, ‘Groundwater Management and Ownership: Report
90% 60-70% on the Expert Group, GOI. Depending on the extent of groundwater development, the

48% Central Groundwater Board categorizes zones in the country as either safe (less than
70% developed), semi-critical (70-90% developed), critical (90-100% developed) or
overexploited (more than 100%).
3 Same as (1)
60-70% districts are vulnerable
4 (2015) Kulkarni et al, Shaping the contours of groundwater governance in India,
90% domestic rural water is sourced 48% of total urban domestic water is 60-70% share of current irrigation to exploitation and/or Journal of Hydrology : Regional Studies
from groundwater derived from groundwater resources comes from groundwater contamination 5 (2005) World Bank, ‘India’s Water Economy, Bracing for a Turbulent Future’

6 7
 Trajectory of groundwater usage in India
Groundwater usage in early times
was limited to drinking and
domestic purposes

Initially the sources of

groundwater were limited yet
the demand for groundwater was
commensurate with the availability of water
Government subsidies Saline
> 100% Overexploited
Excess amount
90-100% Critical
of extraction
70-90% Semi-critical

The Central Ground Water Board monitors groundwater in

India and maps it according to groundwater blocks. Depending
on the extent of groundwater development, these blocks
are categorized as either ‘safe’ (less than 70% developed) ,
‘semi-critical’ (70-90%) , ‘critical’ (between 90 and 100%) or
‘overexploited’ (more than 100% development). This map
indicates groundwater levels in 2011
The boost
New drilling technologies were aided the Green
introduced to boost irrigation Revolution

Many industries
extract groundwater
at an alarming rate

In 2004, an alarming 28%1 blocks in the

country were in the category of semi-critical,
critical and overexploited as compared to 7% in 1995

1 (2007), Planning Commission, ‘Groundwater Management and Ownership: Report on the Expert
Groundwater vulnerability in India : A quick glance
Group, Government of India.

8 9
 Development to Management Hydrogeological typologies and
aquifer types across India
A pragmatic move
3

The different hydrogeological typologies in India

Sedimentary (hard) systems

Found mainly in Central Indian drylands, sedimentary
(hard) systems are local aquifers spread over smaller
regions, again demonstrating a strong coherence with
forests, mining areas and tribal dominant regions.
Most of these regions have high dependency on
Water security is widely recognised as one of the major outside the group from using the resource)1. Groundwater groundwater for domestic usage and agriculture.
challenges to India’s economic and social development. is presumed private property by many and free riding is Some areas in these regions have witnessed significant
Today, millions of groundwater users spread across different common in the absence of understanding of groundwater extraction of groundwater.
Mountain systems
physical, climatic and socio-economic settings are water boundaries. Also, there is a very high degree of diversity in
Found mainly in the Himalayan region, mountain Volcanic systems
vulnerable. Water security for them - access, quality, quantity groundwater resources which is not perceived easily, making
systems are local aquifers found over a large region Volcanic systems are found over large regions and are
and reliability of drinking water - is a big challenge. The it a challenge to understand and manage.
that feeds springs and streams. They demonstrate the most heterogeneous of all aquifer systems. With
need to focus on water security is urgent, as is the need
higher dependency for drinking water on springs and limited amounts of storage, these aquifers often lead
to understand groundwater management techniques. Several approaches of groundwater management have been
spring-fed streams than on wells. Land-use change and to some degree of self-regulating storage. Long term
Groundwater management in India has so far been about tried in recent times. In the following chapter, we will do
climate are factors of immediate concern around this declines of these systems lead to constrained agricul-
“locating water” or “identifying a site for a well”. It is still a comparison of those approaches to see what has worked
resource’s sensitivity. tural growth. Relatively better water quality levels can
bound to sources (wells) rather than resources and what can be the way forward. The one thing that is
Alluvial (unconsolidated) systems be found here.
(aquifers). What needs to be understood is that wells are only clearly emerging is that an ideal groundwater management
mechanisms for accessing aquifers. Understanding aquifers approach will be one that will not only construct structures Alluvial systems are unconsolidated river and aeolian Crystalline (basalt) systems
is the need of the hour - understanding their user base, but also make an effort to sensitize and involve the sediments that deposit in vast plains, largely within Crystalline systems are local to sub-regional aquifers
the reasons for their depletion or deterioration, as well as community to work on the issue. There is an urgent need the Indus and Ganga river basins typified by multiple found over large regions. These regions have a high
effective techniques for their recharge and discharge. for a concerted effort to integrate science and community regional aquifer systems. Groundwater quality in these dependency on groundwater for drinking water and
participation for groundwater management. regions is a major concern. agriculture. Groundwater markets arise primarily
The process of groundwater management is inextricably Sedimentary (soft) systems around rural to urban groundwater transfers. Fluoride
linked with the understanding that groundwater is a Sedimentary (soft) systems are regional aquifers found tends to be a major contaminant in these systems.
‘common pool resource’ (Common Pool Resources or CPRs over smaller regions in Central Indian drylands. They
are natural or human-made resources where one person’s have a strong coherence with forests, mining areas Source : (2015) Kulkarni et al, Shaping the contours of
use subtracts from another’s use and where it is often 1 (1990) Ostrom E., Governing the commons: The evolution of and tribal dominant regions - regions that have higher groundwater governance in India, Journal of Hydrology :
necessary, but difficult and costly, to exclude other users institutions for collective action, Cambridge University Press dependency on groundwater for domestic usage. Regional Studies

10 11
 Groundwater management approaches
GROUNDWATER SOURCES
Open wells, hand pumps, borewells,
tubewells, etc are considered sources of
water that connect to shallow or deeper
aquifers

A critical look
Most mainstream approaches such as watershed development programs have mainly focused on augmenting groundwater
recharge. The number and range of watershed programs continue to increase since the 1980s; some reports suggest
Government of India has invested over US$500 million1 per year for rehabilitation of watersheds.
In watershed programs, the onus is on ‘treatment’ of watersheds rather than any consideration of aquifers. Groundwater
problems, even in excellent watershed programs have emerged parallel to the programs. As farmers dig-and-drill on the back of
such programs, with the notion of unlimited augmentation within underlying aquifers, the very purpose of public investment
lies defeated.

Thus several groundwater approaches have failed owing to:

• A lack of understanding of the importance of scale in groundwater resources.

• Neglect of the magnitude of diversity - geological, climatic and socio-economic factors that govern groundwater
resources.
• The focus is mostly on supply augmentation without regulating demand. S
• A lack of understanding of groundwater as a ‘common pool resource’.
• Missing policy and regulations on groundwater. D

• Failure to demystify the science of groundwater management.

• Due priority not given to drinking water.

The approaches adopted so far lack a comprehensive understanding of groundwater resources and decentralised approaches
that give rise to an engaged and well-informed participation by all stakeholders and communities. There is a need to bring
GROUNDWATER RESOURCES
about a fresh paradigm of looking at groundwater management – that includes supply augmentation, demand management Aquifers are underground
layers of water-bearing
and resource-based interventions. To achieve this, participatory approaches that involve communities become key. permeable rock that hold
S Shallow Aquifer and transmit groundwater.
Groundwater is typically extracted
D Deep Aquifer using wells

1 Adaptation Technology: Benefits of Hydrological Services - Watershed Management in Semi-Arid Region of India, Department of Civil Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology,
Tokyo, Japan
Approaches adopted so far
Solving only part of the problem
Conserving the Recharging the Source based Monitoring water
Water budgeting
resource resource interventions levels and quality
Water budgeting is
Watershed Incidental to the A strong focus on
Strong focus Seldom sometimes
approach approach the source
undertaken

Drinking A strong focus on Water budgeting

Some focus Strong A strong focus
water pilots the source seldom undertaken

Hydrological
Crop-water Mainly livelihood
Very strong focus Very strong A strong focus units – mainly
budgeting focused
watersheds
Farmers in Maharashtra collectively map their
groundwater resources

12 13
 Why is participation key? Some examples of Participatory Approaches
1972
Pani Panchayat is a system of equitable distribution of water
through a people’s council started by Vilasrao Salunke in
Since groundwater is an invisible1 common pool resource, the village of Naigaon, which lies in the severely drought
it brings with it a set of complexities about who uses and prone region of Purandhar Taluka in Pune. Today, Pani
who provides. When a potential user overuses groundwater Panchayats can be found all over the state of Maharashtra.
for personal consumption, it leads to a situation where
it decreases the availability of water for a community.
Similarly dilemmas arise about who develops and manages
1975
Anna Hazare’s model of watershed management in Ralegan
OUR RESOURCE
the water and who uses it because with a common pool Siddhi in Maharashtra has been a successful program that
resource it becomes difficult to exclude users. has had many followers. Under this program so far, 48 nulla
bunds (a crop irrigation system that involves creating lateral
MY SOURCE
trenches to retain water), five cement check dams and 16

1985
Participation brings a discipline into this process of
management. It brings users together to arrive at mutually- Gabion structures have been constructed.
agreed decisions on usage and recharge. Simultaneously, it
Rainwater harvesting initiative led by Rajendra Singh of
builds in an ethos of self-regulation and sustainable use of
Tarun Bhagat Sangh in Alwar District, the semi-arid area
groundwater to be followed by all.
close to the Thar Desert built over 8600 johads (rainwater
storage tanks that collect and store water throughout the
1 (2015) Kulkarni et al, Shaping the contours of groundwater governance in India, Overexploited individual Groundwater is a common year) and other water conservation structures that brought
Journal of Hydrology : Regional Studies ownership sources pool resource water back to over 1000 villages and revived five rivers in
Rajasthan.

1995
Under the Maharashtra Government’s Adarsh Gaon
Yojana, the Hivre Bazaar watershed program became a
model to follow. Spearheaded by Popat Pawar, 52 earthern
bunds, two percolation tanks, 33 loose stone bunds and nine

2000s
The Andhra Pradesh Farmer Managed Groundwater
check dams have been built under this program.

System (APFAMGS) project encouraged farmers to collect

local water data and make collective resource use decisions.
APFAMGS has been implemented in 638 habitations
clustered into 63 habitations across seven drought-prone
districts of Andhra Pradesh, through nine partner NGOs till
2010.

Other ongoing participatory approaches include:

• Foundation for Ecological Security takes a micro watershed unit for water balance and planning groundwater use along
with communities in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.
• Advanced Center for Water Resources Development and Management (ACWADAM) and Samaj Pragati Sahayog in
Madhya Pradesh are working on knowledge-based, typology-driven aquifer-management strategies similar to those of
Pani Panchayats.
• The use of a water budgeting tool known as the Jal Chitra by Barefoot College in Tilonia, Rajasthan.
Collective thinkng and action - KSS, Saharsa

14 15
 Introducing Participatory
Groundwater Management (PGWM)
Participatory Groundwater Management (PGWM) is a The current, conventional knowledge base on groundwater
collaborative program between Arghyam and partner has little space to fill the existing gaps between what is
NGOs across India to build a sustainable model for desired in practice and policy and the academic pedagogy
groundwater management. Groundwater is a common of groundwater. This major challenge is addressed in the
pool resource (CPR) by definition, but its management program by enabling the local communities to take informed
seldom reflects CPR principles. PGWM is an aquifer-based decisions about water use, cropping pattern and crop water
and community-centric approach that has emerged as an management through water budgeting.
alternative for managing groundwater as a common pool
resource.
Trained para-hydrogeologists at work in Gujarat

PGWM Principles
• Groundwater is a common pool resource.

Advanced Center for Watershed Resources

RESOURCE CENTRES
• Use an aquifer-based understanding for groundwater management.
• Groundwater management must be understood across different uses.
• The units of groundwater management should be aquifers, watersheds and habitations. Development and Management (ACWADAM )
• Groundwater management requires long term engagement.
• Management should catalyse community action. ACWADAM is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to
• Groundwater management should integrate formal and peoples’ knowledge. develop solutions to groundwater problems of today and
tomorrow. It is a premier education and research institution
PGWM is currently working with five core partners, six Springs Initiative partners (The Springs Initiative is a network of that facilitates work on groundwater management through
organisations working on springshed management and water security in mountainous regions) and six other partners all
covering 12 states and six major hydrogeological typologies across India.
action research programs and trainings. ACWADAM is
based in Pune, Maharashtra.
People’s Science Institute (PSI)
PSI is a non-profit research and development organisation
Arid Communities and Technologies (ACT) working to eradicate poverty through the empowerment
of the poor and the productive, sustainable and equitable
Village A
ACT is a professional voluntary organisation based in Bhuj, use of available human and natural resources. It works
Gujarat. ACT strives to strengthen livelihoods in arid and with communities, implements development programs
Local Aquifer semi-arid regions by improving access to technological and and undertakes public interest research. PSI is located in
institutional solutions for resolving ecological constraints in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
collaboration with communities.
Village B Megh Pyne Abhiyan (MPA)
Watershed Support Services and Activities MPA is a public charitable trust committed towards
Network (WASSAN) behavioural change amongst the rural communities to
effectively revive, innovate and institutionalise water and
Regional Aquifer WASSAN works towards bringing about a qualitative sanitation management practices. It also works towards
change in watershed based development programs in mainstreaming issues concerning flood, drought, and
India, providing capacity building and support services for groundwater management through collective accountability
development initiatives in natural resources management and action. MPA works through a network of grassroots
with a focus on promoting livelihoods, economic and gender organisations, resource institutions and individuals in
PGWM Implementation equity among the poor. WASSAN is based in Hyderabad, north Bihar (Supaul, Saharsa, Khagaria, Madhubani, and
Aquifer-based approach Telangana. Pashchim Champaran) and Jharkhand (Dhanbad).

16 17
 PGWM ECOSYSTEM
Core PGWM Resource Centres The Springs Initiative1
Advanced Center for Watershed 1 Himmothan, Himalaya Seva Sangh (HSS) and Central
1
Resources Development and Himalayan Rural Action Group (CHIRAG)
Management (ACWADAM) Keystone Foundation
2
2 Arid Communities and Grampari
3
Technologies (ACT)
4 Vishakha Jilla Nava Nirmana
3 People’s Science Institute (PSI) Samiti (VJNNS)

Watershed Support Services and 5 Government of Sikkim

4
Activities Network (WASSAN) (Dharavikas)
6 Government of Meghalaya
5 Megh Pyne Abhiyan (MPA)

Other partners Academia

1 Balvikas, Accion Fraterna, Rural Integrated Develop- 1 Gujarat Vidyapith
ment Society (RIDS), Rural and Environment
Development Society (REDS) 2 Bhuj University

2 Samaj Pragati Sahayog (SPS) 3 Pune University

3 Kosi Seva Sadan, Water Action, Gramyasheel, 4 Maharana Pratap Agriculture University and Krushi
Ghoghardiha Prakhand Swarajya Vikas Sangi
Vigyan Kendra
(GPSVS), Samta
4 Ecosphere, Rural Communes 5 Garhwal University

5 Chinmaya Organisation for Rural Development

(CORD)
6 Kalimpong Krushak Kalyan
Sanghtan

Government Programs and

Institutions
Neeranchal (a UNDP program)

Groundwater Surveys and Development Agency

(GSDA), Maharashtra

Indira Jala Prabha, Andhra Pradesh

The following are not incorporated in the map

Integrated Water Management Program (IWMP)
Core PGWM Resource Centres National Bank for Agriculture and Rural
Development (NABARD)
The Springs Initiative
Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna (RKVY)
Other partners in the ecosystem
Revitalising Rainfed Agriculture Network (RRA)
Academia
National Project on Aquifer Management (NAQUIM)
Government Programs and 1 The Springs Initiative is a network of organisations working on springshed
Institutions CSR and other private foundations management and water security in mountainous regions

18 19
 Why PGWM and how it works PGWM on the ground : the Action Research
Objectives and intervention areas
The PGWM approach focuses on a scientific understanding Action Research is research that is done to understand the
of the resource, building capacities of local communities and specific groundwater related problem of a specific location
defining usage priorities. It demonstrates that groundwater or typology and to pilot appropriate solutions to address that
management is based on effective partnerships with problem. The solutions are customised and are arrived at
institutions and local communities. It aims for a sustainable after a proper understanding of the resource, situations and
and equitable management of groundwater resources by the socio-economic conditions of the people in that location.
promoting a shift in controls by states to management by
user groups, and moving from attending to crises after Capacity building is that function of PGWM that engages
they occur to averting them. Such an approach leads to with the communities it works in the most. It ensures
redefining the scope of public investments, technologies, collaboration and partnerships with communities and
access to resources, production systems and markets. It promotes the ownership of practices and protocols by
provides an alternative and acknowledges the way forward. communities. It integrates formal and peoples’ knowledge
into its processes and action.
A typical PGWM program design is built on three pillars:
Action Research, Capacity Building and Advocacy. Put Advocacy of PGWM is aimed at influencing decisions
together, these pillars play a vital role in making PGWM a related to groundwater management at the national and
holistic model. state level. Advocacy engages with key stakeholders and
programs to embed a groundwater based thinking.

PGWM Action Research sites

Mehsana District
Kutch District
Rapar District

Sirmour District
Solan District

Pune District
Satara District

Ranga Reddy District

Mahbubnagar District
Anantapur District

Supaul District
Khagaria District
Madhubani District
Paschim Champaran District
Saharsa District

20 21
 The three pillars of PGWM
ACTION RESEARCH

ACTION RESEARCH
The locations for action research pilots are chosen
to represent at least four of the six hydrogeological
typologies in India.
• Identify PGWM sites based on the crisis (resource-
based) and need felt (community-interface).
• Collect and analyse data and baseline information
(toposheet, cadastral maps, direct project reports etc).
• Conduct geological mapping.
• Establish monitoring processes.
• Conduct orientation and training of the
implementing staff.
• Conduct socio-economic surveys.
• Conduct pumping tests and water quality analysis
twice a year.

ADVOCACY

TRAINING & CAPACITY BUILDING

• Inject strong scientific principles into groundwater
TRAINING
related programs in different regions across India.
• Facilitate participatory processes based on local
hydrogeology in four-five different hydrogeological
settings.
• Develop broad protocols for systematic, sustainable
and equitable utilisation of groundwater and to
inculcate these as part of a training regimen.
• Develop strong monitoring mechanisms of
observations, measurement and analysis.
• Develop and enhance capacities of local para-
hydrogeological professionals.

The three Pillars of PGWM -

ADVOCACY Conducting Participatory Groundwater
Management onsite

• Promote advocacy towards proper understanding

and appreciation of the groundwater resources and
their management among various stakeholders,
particularly policy makers and decision makers.
• Promote local level knowledge and skill base.
• Influence major mainstream programs, such as
watershed, drinking water, sanitation, National Rural
Employment Guaranteee Act (NREGA), etc.

22 23
 PGWM
IMPACT STORIES
Helping a water-stricken village in Maharashtra achieve
drinking water security
In the drought prone village of Randullabad in Satara
district of Maharashtra, a three year long
watershed development project undertaken with PGWM
principles brought the village back from the brink of
drinking water scarcity crisis to becoming to a water-
sufficient village. The project involved recharge of
regional aquifers, geological mapping, testing of water
quality and establishing usage protocols for drinking and
irrigation. Drilling of borewells was banned and 90%
of wells in the village were used on a sharing basis as
farmers took turns to irrigate their lands. Groundwater
recharge and discharge areas were demarcated. As a
result of these interventions, groundwater levels have
improved and local water structures have been revived.
The impact of the program is seen in improved kharif
productivities, improvement in irrigation and water use
efficiency, improved equitability particularly for farmers
and improved drinking water security.

1 3 5

5 3 6

3 1

4 4 4

Randullabad - a journey from water scarcity to

water security

24 25
 How social regulation in five villages in Himachal
Pradesh ensured enhanced water quality
The villages of Luhali, Dhyali, Sattar-bhadon,
Thanakasoga and Dandor in Himachal Pradesh faced
water shortage and water quality problems such as
bacteriological and chemical contamination. A PGWM
action plan was conducted to remedy this. A survey was
conducted and it was found that despite being located
on different sides of the valley, these five villages shared a
common aquifer system. This fact was hitherto unknown
so awareness activities were extensively conducted which
included informing villagers about the contamination
and establishing a sanitation protocol for the five villages
to follow. A Water Management Committee and Water
User Groups (WUG) were formed to put together a
set of social regulations that included giving villagers
responsibility of protecting, recharging and cleaning
their mutual resources. Thanks to the implementation
of PGWM, recharge work, source protection and
discharge of the springs increased over the course of the
intervention. Water quality improved when the level of
bacteriological and chemical contamination decreased.
Social fencing was one of the major outcomes of this
program as recharge sites were protected.

1 5

5 3 6

3 1

4 4 4

Protecting springs in Himachal Pradesh

26 27
 Tapping into the local talent and training them to become
para-hydrogeologists
Capacity building is one of the key areas PGWM focuses
on. In a span of three years, a cadre of hundreds of
para-hydrogeologists has been built. These professionals
are chosen from groups of local youth, government staff
and local NGO staff who work on the ground. They
learn, among other aspects of PGWM, how to make
groundwater and aquifer maps.

Additionally, extensive training programs spanning over

weeks are conducted for management and decision
making officials of organisations, networks, governments,
technical assistants, watershed assistants of IWMP (the
Government’s Integrated Watershed Management
Program) and more. In Gujarat alone, in three years 1815
people have been trained and made ready to work on
groundwater management.

1 3 5

5 3 6

3 1

4 4 4

Local talent leading from the front

Veljibhai, a para-hydrogeologist

28 29
 Borewell pooling – reducing Telangana farmers’
burdens substantially
For farmers in Telangana, borewell drilling was proving
to be a very expensive way to extract groundwater.
Several farmers were unable to repay the loans they had
taken for drilling, leaving them worried and anxious
about their future. Under a PGWM project – Karavu
Kavacham (the Drought Shield Program), an experiment
was conducted with five borewells and five farmers in
a single watershed. The outcome of the experiment
was introduction of the concept of borewell pooling
wherein borewell farmers shared water with non-borewell
farmers. A water grid was created by connecting the wells
through a long pipeline with several outlets to reduce
wastage by seepage and evaporation. Water conservation
was an immediate outcome, financial condition of the
farmers improved and drinking water was made available
throughout the year.

1 5

5 3 6

3 1

4 4

Borewell pooling – a boon for Telangana farmers

Gamlibai, a farmer from Ranga Reddy district

30 31
 Mainstreaming Participatory Groundwater Management

PGWM recommended in the 12th Five Year Plan by the

Planning Commission
As a result of concerted advocacy at the national level, the
12th Planning Commission Report of the Government
of India recommended PGWM. Participatory
principles have also been incorporated into the Central
Groundwater Board’s National Aquifer Mapping
Program (NAQUIM). PGWM is also one of the key
programs that is building capacities of personnel working
on the Government of India’s Integrated Watershed
Management program (IWMP). Other collaborations
include integration of PGWM in NABARD-funded
watershed projects, implementing guidelines for water
management for the National Rural Drinking Water
Program (NRDWP) and National Rural Employment
Guarantee Act (NREGA), collaborations with state
governments, NGOs, private foundations, corporate
agencies and institutions.

Workshops, seminars across 20 states and publications

in five languages
PGWM Resource Centres have so far conducted training
programs, workshops, seminars, field visits for over 30
state and non-governmental organisations, regional offices
of Groundwater Surveys and Development Agency and
Central Groundwater Board and several district level
administrations, academic institutions, and village level
institutions such as gramsabhas across 20 states. An entire
gamut of handbooks, groundwater primers, reports,
papers, manuals, books have been published in English,
Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati and Telugu languages.

32 33
 PGWM PGWM Resource Centres
What next?

Advanced Center for Water- Arid Communities People’s Science Watershed Support Megh Pyne
In its first phase, PGWM piloted its approach under the to scale up the effort. It can happen primarily through the shed Resources Development and Technologies Institute (PSI) Services and Activities Abhiyan (MPA)
framework of its guiding principles in 70 villages across involvement of the Government and investments from and Management (ACT) Network (WASSAN)
five states. The program effectively proved its concept by multiple sources. (ACWADAM)
enabling drinking water and livelihood security in these
villages. These pilots achieved the following outcomes If this concept had a legal anchorage by way of a public Supported by
among the communities: policy, committed investments and a dedicated human
resource - it might be a little easier to conserve this
• Understanding and acceptance of groundwater as intergenerational resource for delivering safe and sustainable
commons. water for all. This would be the mission for the next phase.
• Knowledge and understanding of springs as sources The program could also effectively leverage existing public
of groundwater. investments like IWMP, NREGA, forest department schemes
• Community ownership of the PGWM concept, which enhanced the efficiency of these investments for water
enabling better understanding and management security.
of the resource thereby ensuring equity in its
distribution.
• Understanding of long-term sustainability of
the resource demonstrated by the practice of
supply augmentation in conjunction with demand
management.

There is also evidence to prove that these villages were

more resilient in securing drinking water and water for
agriculture in adverse climatic conditions. In rainfed areas,
they not only secured drinking water but multiplied their
incomes through well-managed irrigation patterns, changing
cropping patterns and increasing areas under irrigation by
pooling resources. They also took simple measures like social
protection in the catchment areas of springs to prevent the
contamination of drinking water.

The lessons from the first phase point to the need for
capacity and institution development at the local level. While
50 para-hydrogeologists out of the 5400 people trained are
now actively involved in developing water security plans,
moving towards the second phase at the village level, there
are many more required to take this effort across the length
and breadth of the country. The Springs Initiative that
emerged as an offshoot of the larger PGWM effort has now
quickly spread to ten states. Of these, in Meghalaya and
Sikkim, the government is pioneering the implementation
of the springshed management with support from PGWM
partners. Despite these initial successes, challenges remain
Moving towards the second phase

34 35
www.arghyam.org