A multidisciplinary approach using advanced tools and techniques including remote sensing, GIS, geophysical techniques, ground water modeling etc. is being followed for preparation of aquifer maps and development of management plans. In order to study the application of advanced techniques six pilot projects were taken up in 5 different States representing the hydrogeological complexity of the country. The areas were Maharashtra (part of Nagpur district), Rajasthan (parts of Dausa and Jaisalmer districts), Bihar (part of Patna district), Karnataka (part of Tumkur district) and Tamilnadu (part of Cuddalore district). The learning of the Pilot projects have been synthesized and adopted in nationwide Aquifer Mapping and Management programme.
The flow diagram for preparation of aquifer maps and management plans are as follows:
A mutli-tier evaluation process has been put in place to ensure quality of outputs. The aquifer maps and management plans prepared by the team of officers are first reviewed by the Regional Directors of the respective regions of CGWB. The revised maps and management plans are then presented before the concerned members of CGWB at the central headquarters level. Subsequently the maps and management plans are presented before the National level expert committee (NLEC) constituted for this purpose. Domain specialists, who are part of the expert committee, include ground water specialists from JNU, Delhi; IIT, Roorkee; retired Chairman of CGWB; Agriculture Scientists etc. Agriculture scientists of ICAR have also been associated in finalization of management plans for each State. In order to coordinate on various issues related to aquifer mapping, between the State and Union Government, State Ground Water Coordination Committee (SGWCC) has been formed in each state and UT, headed by the principal secretary of the concerned department. The outputs are shared and deliberated in State Ground Water Coordination Committee with an objective to have mutual agreement on the proposed aquifer-wise ground water management plans which can be implemented by State Government.
The National Project on Aquifer Management employs a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach that integrates remote sensing, GIS technology, geophysical surveys, and groundwater modeling to map and evaluate aquifer systems across India. This methodology allows scientists and hydrologists to understand the complex geologic and hydrologic characteristics of aquifers in various states, from the alluvial plains of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh to the hard-rock terrains of Karnataka and Maharashtra. By combining surface and subsurface data, the project generates detailed aquifer maps that reveal the extent, behavior, and water-bearing potential of underground formations. This systematic evaluation forms the scientific foundation for developing sustainable groundwater management plans tailored to the unique conditions of each region.
The methodology encompasses six pilot projects undertaken in five different states to validate advanced techniques across India's diverse hydrogeological settings. These pilot areas were selected to represent the country's full range of aquifer complexity, including regions in Rajasthan, Bihar, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. The lessons learned from these demonstration sites help refine mapping protocols and management strategies before scaling them to the national level. Field studies in these areas involve detailed data collection on water levels, water quality, aquifer geometry, and recharge mechanisms. The pilot approach ensures that the methodologies developed are robust, adaptable, and effective for the varied geologic and hydrologic conditions found throughout the country's different states and union territories.
A key objective of this aquifer mapping initiative is to promote long-term sustainability of groundwater resources through informed management and policy support. By delineating aquifer boundaries and assessing their dynamic behavior, the project provides critical inputs for water resource planning at the block, district, and state levels. The resulting aquifer management plans offer actionable guidance on groundwater extraction, recharge augmentation, and water quality protection. This scientific approach empowers local stakeholders, including farmers and water users, to make informed decisions about groundwater use. The ultimate goal is to balance developmental needs with the preservation of aquifer systems, ensuring that groundwater remains a reliable resource for future generations across India.