New Delhi, Sep 17: The Yogi Government has accelerated scientific efforts to conserve groundwater and ensure long-term water security in Uttar Pradesh. As part of this initiative, the government has launched a Rs. 1.65-crore Managed Aquifer Recharge Project in the Ganga-Yamuna Doab.
Under the three-year project, rainwater will be scientifically channelled into underground aquifers, helping improve groundwater availability. A key finding supporting the initiative is the identification of an approximately 200-kilometre-long ancient underground river, or paleochannel system, between Kanpur and Prayagraj.
Scientists from the CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad, have studied aquifers and ancient river systems beneath the Ganga-Yamuna Doab using modern technologies, including aerial geophysical surveys and borehole logging.
The identified paleochannel system represents traces of ancient river channels beneath the ground, which scientists believe may continue to play a role in underground water movement.
The project aims to reduce the loss of rainwater by directing it into underground aquifers, which are natural geological formations that store groundwater. Scientific studies will help identify locations and pathways where rainwater can most effectively reach these aquifers.
The Ground Water Department, Uttar Pradesh, is implementing the project with financial assistance from the National Mission for Clean Ganga. The project has a total cost of Rs. 1.65 crore and a duration of three years.
In its first phase, six locations have been selected for pilot studies. Recharge structures will be constructed at these sites, with continuous monitoring to assess their impact on groundwater levels and the ability of local aquifers to absorb rainwater.
The pilot phase will also help determine which groundwater recharge systems are most effective under different geological and hydrogeological conditions. Based on the results, the project will be expanded to other suitable locations across the Ganga-Yamuna Doab.
The NGRI study has indicated a hydrogeological relationship between the Ganga and Yamuna rivers and major aquifers beneath the region. Ancient river channels may also serve as important pathways for groundwater flow within these aquifers. The project is expected to generate scientific insights into the relationship between rivers, rainfall, groundwater and ancient river channels, supporting future groundwater conservation planning.
Dr. Rajesh Kumar Prajapati, Special Secretary and Director, Ground Water Department, Namami Gange and Rural Water Supply Department, stated that the scientific studies conducted by NGRI have provided important information about the aquifers and ancient river systems beneath the Ganga-Yamuna Doab.
Prabhash Kumar, Additional Project Director, Namami Gange, said that with technical support from NGRI, the project will undertake groundwater monitoring, research and development, and scientific assessment of the impact of recharge structures. Information, Education and Communication activities will also be undertaken to promote awareness about groundwater conservation.