BHUBANESWAR: Orissa has 16,68,914 hectare metre (HM) or 16.69 BCM of net dynamic groundwater resources available for development, say the latest findings of Directorate of Groundwater Survey and Investigation (DGSI).
The survey report, which was released by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here on Monday, says, “the State has gross dynamic ground water resources of 17,77,507 (HM) or 17.77 billion cubic metres, out of which 1,08,593 HM or 1.08 BCM is considered to be natural losses. Thus annually 16,68,914 HM or 16.69 BCM of net dynamic ground resources is available for development.”
Coastal districts are found to be utilising groundwater more than interior districts of the State. “The highest level of groundwater utilisation is observed in Bhadrak district (55.49 per cent) and the lowest in Malkangiri (8.76 per cent). Considering blocks, the highest and lowest level of groundwater utilisation are observed in Baliapal (69.96 per cent) of Balasore district and Podia (4.57 per cent) Malkanagiri district,” the report says.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Patnaik said, “the average level of groundwater utilisation in our State is only 26 per cent, and there is a lot of scope for further utilisation.”
“Although nearly 80 per cent of the States' geographical area is covered under hard rock terrain, it is endowed with a good potential of water resources. But, the available water resources are not equitably distributed all over the State. Water scarcity and pollution are some of the key issues that need to be addressed on priority,” the Chief Minister said.
Stress on law
The groundwater resource of the State has been assessed by the DGSI in association with the Central Groundwater Board under the overall supervision of the State-level committee constituted by the government.
“A suitable legislation is required for effective management of groundwater resources of the State.
The ongoing climate change processes are going to impact the present hydrological cycle which may induce further uncertainties in temporal and spatial availability of water,” said Chief Engineer S. K. Mishra.
Among others Agriculture Minister Maharathy, Labour, Employment and Water Resources (Minor Irrigation) Minister Puspendra Singhdeo and Water Resource Secretary S. K. Mahapatra were present at the workshop organised to sensitise importance of groundwater resources.
