Central Ground Water Board

The Central Ground Water Board recently published its Annual Ground Water Quality Report – 2025, which revealed that Andhra Pradesh is among the states facing widespread groundwater contamination as per the standards prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

This finding highlights serious concerns regarding drinking water safety, public health, and sustainable groundwater management in India.

About the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)

The Central Ground Water Board is a multidisciplinary scientific organization functioning under the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, which operates under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India.

It serves as the National Apex Agency responsible for providing scientific inputs related to:

• Groundwater exploration,

• Monitoring and assessment,

• Augmentation and recharge,

• Regulation and sustainable management of groundwater resources across the country.

Establishment and Evolution

The CGWB was established in 1970 by renaming the Exploratory Tube Wells Organization under the Ministry of Agriculture.

In 1972, it was merged with the Ground Water Wing of the Geological Survey of India, thereby strengthening its technical and scientific capacity.

Mandate of the CGWB

The primary mandate of the CGWB is to ensure the scientific and sustainable development and management of groundwater resources in India.

Its responsibilities include:

• Developing and disseminating groundwater technologies,

• Monitoring groundwater quantity and quality,

• Supporting national groundwater policies,

• Assisting in regulation to prevent over-exploitation.

Thus, it plays a crucial role in ensuring water security in India.

Organizational Structure

The CGWB is headed by a Chairman and comprises five Members.

It consists of experts from multiple disciplines, including:

• Hydrogeologists,

• Geophysicists,

• Chemists,

• Hydrologists,

• Hydrometeorologists, and

• Engineers.

The organization functions through four main wings:

1. Sustainable Management & Liaison (SML)

2. Survey, Assessment & Monitoring (SAM)

3. Exploratory Drilling & Materials Management (ED&MM)

4. Water Quality & Training and Technology Transfer (WQ&TT)

The headquarters of CGWB is located at Bhujal Bhawan, Faridabad, Haryana.

Major Activities of the CGWB

The Central Ground Water Board undertakes several key activities:

1. National Aquifer Mapping and Management (NAQUIM)

It prepares detailed aquifer maps and management plans to ensure sustainable groundwater use.

2. Groundwater Exploration

It conducts exploratory drilling and geophysical surveys to identify groundwater-bearing zones.

3. Assessment and Monitoring

It periodically assesses groundwater resources and monitors groundwater levels and quality through observation wells across India.

4. Regulation and Control

Groundwater development and management are regulated through the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) in coordination with State Governments.

5. Research and Technology Application

It undertakes research, groundwater modelling, and uses GIS and Remote Sensing technologies for effective groundwater management.

6. Water Conservation and Artificial Recharge

It promotes water conservation measures and artificial recharge techniques to augment groundwater resources.

7. Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer

It conducts training programs and disseminates groundwater data to stakeholders and policymakers.

Significance of the 2025 Report

The identification of widespread groundwater contamination in Andhra Pradesh underscores:

• The growing challenge of groundwater pollution,

• The need for strict monitoring and regulation,

• The urgency of adopting sustainable extraction and recharge practices.

Given that India heavily depends on groundwater for drinking water, irrigation, and industrial purposes, the role of the CGWB is critical for ensuring long-term water security and environmental sustainability.