The steadily declining groundwater table in Karnal district, Haryana’s prominent rice-growing region, has emerged as a serious challenge for authorities, farmers and water management experts. With groundwater reserves continuing to shrink, experts are looking towards the upcoming monsoon season to provide much-needed recharge to the district’s depleted aquifers.
According to groundwater data recorded after the 2025 monsoon, the district’s average groundwater table stood at 21.38 metres below ground level in October 2025, underscoring a long-term trend of falling water availability that threatens both agriculture and drinking water security.
Block-wise figures reveal significant variations across the district. Karnal block recorded an average groundwater level of 16.18 metres after the monsoon, showing only a marginal improvement from the pre-monsoon level of 16.31 metres. Gharaunda reported an average groundwater depth of 24.73 metres, while Nilokheri stood at 28.08 metres. Assandh and Nissing were among the most water-stressed areas, with groundwater levels recorded at 29.08 metres and 29.92 metres, respectively. Munak reported a level of 21.19 metres. In contrast, Indri and Kunjpura recorded comparatively better groundwater availability at 12.25 metres and 9.58 metres.
Historical records indicate a sharp decline in groundwater reserves over the past five decades. The district’s average groundwater table was 5.37 metres in 1974. It fell to 8.57 metres in 2000, 17.16 metres in June 2015, 20.80 metres in June 2024 and 20.98 metres in June 2025 before reaching 21.38 metres in October 2025.
Experts attribute the decline primarily to excessive extraction of groundwater for irrigation, particularly for water-intensive paddy cultivation, coupled with inadequate natural recharge.
Dr Shiv Singh Rawat, retired Superintending Engineer of the Haryana Irrigation Department, said all eight blocks in Karnal district had been classified as over-exploited due to heavy groundwater extraction and insufficient recharge efforts. “Paddy is a major water-consuming crop and it is the need of the hour for the crop diversification and to adopt less water-consuming crops,” he said.
Dr Rawat also stressed the need to promote micro-irrigation techniques and groundwater recharge through underground storage structures in parks, stadiums and other open spaces. He expressed hope that a normal or above-normal monsoon could significantly improve groundwater recharge this year.
Meanwhile, the Irrigation Department has stepped up efforts under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan. Executive Engineer (XEN) Vikas Raj said recharge trenches were being developed along monsoon drains to facilitate groundwater replenishment. “We have allotted works for cleaning and desilting of such drains. It will help in recharging the water table,” he said.
The department has also undertaken repair and maintenance of existing groundwater recharge structures ahead of the monsoon. Deputy Commissioner Anand Kumar Sharma has directed officials to ensure proper upkeep of rainwater harvesting and recharge systems and has urged educational institutions to establish and maintain such structures to maximise rainwater conservation.
