<h4>Introduction to Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)</h4><p>The <strong>Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)</strong> is the apex national agency responsible for managing, exploring, monitoring, assessing, and regulating groundwater resources across India. It operates under the <strong>Ministry of Jal Shakti</strong>, formerly known as the <strong>Ministry of Water Resources</strong>.</p><div class='info-box'><p>The <strong>CGWB</strong> plays a crucial role in ensuring the sustainable development and management of the nation's vital groundwater reserves.</p></div><h4>Establishment and Evolution</h4><p>The <strong>CGWB</strong> was initially established in <strong>1970</strong>. It began its journey by renaming the existing <strong>Exploratory Tube Wells Organization</strong>.</p><p>Later, in <strong>1972</strong>, the organization underwent a significant merger. It was combined with the <strong>Ground Water Wing of the Geological Survey of India</strong>, forming the comprehensive body known today.</p><h4>Key Functions and Responsibilities</h4><p>The primary mandate of <strong>CGWB</strong> is to provide scientific expertise for effective groundwater management. This includes a wide range of activities aimed at understanding and preserving groundwater.</p><ul><li><strong>Exploration:</strong> Conducting surveys to identify new groundwater sources and assess their potential.</li><li><strong>Monitoring:</strong> Regularly tracking groundwater levels, quality, and extraction rates across the country.</li><li><strong>Assessment:</strong> Evaluating the overall health and sustainability of groundwater aquifers.</li><li><strong>Water Quality Assessments:</strong> Analyzing groundwater for various parameters to ensure it is safe for consumption and other uses.</li></ul><p>Beyond assessment, <strong>CGWB</strong> is also actively involved in implementing practical solutions to augment groundwater levels. This includes promoting and executing schemes for <strong>artificial recharge</strong> and <strong>rainwater harvesting</strong>.</p><h4>Groundwater Regulation: Role of CGWA</h4><p>While <strong>CGWB</strong> focuses on scientific management and exploration, the regulatory aspect of groundwater development is handled by a distinct body.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p>The <strong>Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA)</strong> is constituted under the <strong>Environmental Protection Act, 1986</strong>. Its main function is to regulate groundwater development to ensure its long-term sustainability and prevent over-exploitation.</p></div><h4>Scientific Reports and Data Dissemination</h4><p>The <strong>CGWB</strong> is a key source of hydrogeological information for the nation. It regularly releases a variety of scientific reports and publications.</p><ul><li><strong>State and District Hydrogeological Reports:</strong> Detailed analyses of groundwater conditions specific to different regions.</li><li><strong>Ground Water Year Books:</strong> Annual compilations of groundwater data and trends.</li><li><strong>Atlases:</strong> Visual representations of groundwater resources and related information.</li></ul><h4>Current Groundwater Status</h4><p>Recent data indicates an improvement in groundwater availability across India. This positive trend highlights the impact of various management and conservation efforts.</p><div class='info-box'><p>Currently, <strong>73%</strong> of the blocks in India are classified as being in the '<strong>safe</strong>' zone for groundwater. This represents a significant increase from <strong>67.4%</strong> reported in <strong>2022</strong>, indicating progress in groundwater management.</p></div>