Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh has made remarkable strides in groundwater conservation, with measurable improvements in groundwater levels across 566 out of the state’s 826 development blocks. Spearheaded by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, this transformation comes as a direct result of the state’s new water policy and adoption of technological innovations. Notably, 29 districts, including Lucknow, Balrampur, Gonda, Bahraich, Barabanki, and Rae Bareli, have shown significant improvements in groundwater levels, making UP a model state in water conservation for the entire country.
68% Development Blocks Now in Safe Zone
According to official data, 68% of the state’s development blocks are now in the “safe” groundwater category. In 2017, 82 blocks were classified as “over-exploited,” but this number has reduced to just 50. Several semi-critical blocks have now shifted into the safe category, reflecting the effectiveness of a policy rooted in sustainability, community participation, and real-time monitoring.
UP Leads in Tech-Based Monitoring
The state government has stepped up its efforts in groundwater monitoring by installing 500 new piezometers and 690 Digital Water Level Recorders (DWLRs) in the last year. These tools have enabled transparent and consistent monitoring, helping authorities make timely decisions to protect and replenish water resources.
Comprehensive Water Policy for the Future
The Groundwater Department, under the Namami Gange and Rural Water Supply initiative, has laid out an extensive plan for long-term sustainable management of both urban and rural groundwater. The state is also enhancing its Groundwater Information System to efficiently track extraction, usage, and recharge patterns.
Groundwater Levels Improve in These 29 Districts:
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Agra
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Aligarh
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Auraiya
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Bahraich
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Balrampur
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Barabanki
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Bareilly
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Bijnor
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Etah
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Fatehpur
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Firozabad
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Gonda
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Hapur
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Jalaun
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Jhansi
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Kanpur Dehat
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Lakhimpur Kheri
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Lalitpur
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Lucknow
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Mahoba
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Mainpuri
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Mathura
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Moradabad
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Muzaffarnagar
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Rae Bareli
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Rampur
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Saharanpur
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Shahjahanpur
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Shravasti
Why It Matters
Groundwater is a critical resource for both drinking and agricultural use in India. With overexploitation threatening water security, the improvements in Uttar Pradesh not only set a benchmark for other states but also provide a scalable model of integrating policy, technology, and public awareness for environmental sustainability.
This success story of groundwater revival is a testament to focused leadership and collaborative governance in ensuring a water-secure future for India.
