Srinagar, Mar 26 (KNO): The Government of India (GoI) informed the Lok Sabha that Jammu and Kashmir has an annual groundwater recharge of 2.30 billion cubic meters (BCM), with extractable resources estimated at 2.07 BCM.
Replying to an unstarred question, Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that the total annual groundwater extraction in J&K stands at 0.51 BCM, as per the 2025 assessment carried out jointly by the Central Ground Water Board and State Governments.
The minister stated that groundwater resources across the country are assessed annually and categorised based on extraction levels, with some regions falling under over-exploited and critical categories.
He said that water, being a State subject, measures for conservation and management are primarily undertaken by respective State governments, while the Centre supplements efforts through various schemes and programmes.
The government has launched multiple initiatives to address water scarcity, including Jal Shakti Abhiyan, Catch the Rain campaign, and Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari, aimed at promoting water conservation, rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and community participation.
The reply comes amid concerns over water availability in several parts of the country, though no specific shortage situation for Jammu and Kashmir was highlighted in the response—(KNO)