Pune: Groundwater Survey and Development Agency (GSDA) will expand its network of observation wells and shift to submitting assessment reports monthly instead of quarterly, amid concerns that a prolonged drinking-water shortage could fuel panic and social tensions in villages, especially in drought-prone and rain-shadow regions.GSDA currently monitors groundwater through 3,816 observation wells across the state. Commissioner Ravindra Khebudkar said increasing monitoring points would help prepare micro-level water management plans for each district and identify localised water stress before drinking water shortages become critical. “The situation is unprecedented. We are closely monitoring every district and will now submit monthly reports to state govt,” Khebudkar told TOI.Agency officials said the expanded network would enable more precise tracking of groundwater depletion at village and locality levels, allowing district administrations to prioritise drinking water supply, safeguard vulnerable community sources and plan timely interventions.The agency has already installed digital monitoring systems at 100 wells and plans to extend the technology further. “Real-time or near-daily monitoring will help detect sudden drops in groundwater levels and trigger immediate action in affected villages and tehsils,” a senior GSDA official said.GSDA has also advised district collectors to undertake measures like recharge shafts and closer monitoring of community water sources. “Our primary objective is to ensure that villagers have access to drinking water for an extended period,” Khebudkar said.A senior official described the situation as alarming, saying water levels had fallen by more than three metres in a significant number of wells. The agency recently presented region-wise groundwater data to a Union agriculture ministry delegation and senior state officials.Concerns have intensified following India Meteorological Department’s forecast of below-normal rainfall between Oct and Dec and above-normal temperatures, conditions likely to aggravate water stress in already vulnerable regions. The emerging crisis has renewed scrutiny of Maharashtra’s water conservation efforts, particularly in Marathwada and other drought-prone districts.“Inadequate focus on conservation works in recent years has left villages exposed despite receiving record rainfall last year. Water conservation work should be taken up at the village level as a mission-mode project,” a district collector from Marathwada said, adding, “Marathwada had received record rainfall last year. If water conservation efforts had been properly implemented, groundwater levels would not have dropped so sharply this year.”Water experts called for sustained investments in watershed development, rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and the restoration of traditional conservation systems. Pradeep Purandare, retired associate professor at Water and Land Management Institute, said, “Govts had focused on large-scale promises like river linking rather than scientifically grounded conservation measures, leaving regions like Marathwada and Vidarbha vulnerable to recurring water stress.”The experts also urged stronger implementation of schemes like Jalyukt Shivar, stressing that conservation projects must be tailored to local geology, soil conditions, rainfall patterns and groundwater characteristics. “The drought-prone and rain-shadow districts have been on govt’s records for years. Schemes in these areas must be implemented properly, using scientific methods backed by strong political will. Govt should also involve local communities. Only then will the work be effective,” a water expert who has worked with state govt for years told TOI.Farmers and water activists echoed the demand for long-term solutions, including village-level water budgeting, protection of water bodies, scientific desilting and regulation of indiscriminate groundwater extraction. Beed farmer Gopal Shendge said repeated drops in water availability were making farming and household supplies increasingly uncertain. “Farmers can’t rely on rainfall alone. When wells and other sources dry up, the whole village suffers. Water-conservation structures must be maintained, and groundwater recharge should be planned village by village based on local needs,” he said.A water conservation activist said monitoring water levels was necessary, but it must lead to action. “Vulnerable villages will continue to face recurring shortages unless conservation structures are completed, maintained and supported by proactive planning,” he added.
