Haryana's urban growth, farming deplete groundwater; 14 districts stressed

Haryana faces a deepening groundwater crisis, with nearly half its villages experiencing water stress due to urban growth and agricultural practices. Fourteen of the state's 22 districts are severely affected by groundwater depletion. A recent report reveals that 2,246 villages are in the critical "red category" and 1,243 in the "pink category," indicating dangerously low groundwater levels. Experts attribute the crisis to rapid urbanization, ecological degradation, and unsustainable land use. The Haryana Water Resources Authority is implementing tailored water management plans for each village. Experts emphasize the need for rainwater harvesting, wastewater management, and aligning infrastructure with groundwater conservation goals to address the crisis.