Gandhinagar district has reduced its overall stage of groundwater extraction from 181.24% in 2002 to 111.28% in 2025. Although the district remains in the “Over-Exploited” category, the reduction represents significant improvement. Kalol has moved from 243.48% to 44.65%, graduating to the Safe category, while Mansa has improved from 226.37% to 89.35%, shifting to the Semi-Critical category. Dehgam (181.37%) and Gandhinagar taluka (122.87%) remain Over-Exploited. The district receives annual groundwater recharge of 63,300.32 Ham (633.00 MCM) with extractable resources of 57,791.12 Ham against extraction of 64,309.15 Ham. Agriculture accounts for 96.44% of groundwater use, with domestic consumption at 2.12% and industrial use at 1.44%.
Ahmedabad district has achieved a notable transition, declining from 106.48% in 2002 to 72.74% in 2025, moving from Over-Exploited to Semi-Critical category. Six of eight inland extractable talukas—Bavla, Detroj Rampura, Dholka, Mandal, Sanand and Viramgam—are now Safe. Groundwater pressure remains concentrated in urban growth centres: Ahmedabad City & Daskroi (137.75%) and Ahmedabad Urban (127.18%) continue in the Over-Exploited category. Annual extractable resources are estimated at 42,258.26 Ham from total recharge of 45,772.96 Ham, against extraction of 30,738.68 Ham. Agriculture accounts for 80% of groundwater use, industrial at 11.35% and domestic at 8.65%.
The assessment attributes improvement to comprehensive government strategy. Expansion of the Sardar Sarovar (Narmada) Canal command has reduced deep borewell irrigation dependence. The Sujalam Sufalam Spreading Canal Network strengthens artificial groundwater recharge by channelising Narmada waters into drought-prone aquifers. Community initiatives including pond deepening, check dam desilting, trench channelisation, borewell revival and rainwater harvesting have contributed significantly. The Gujarat Green Revolution Company has expanded drip and sprinkler irrigation, reducing groundwater consumption while improving efficiency. Recharge support from Sardar Sarovar, Hirpura and Valasana dams has strengthened reserves. The draft Gujarat Ground Water (Protection, Conservation, Regulation and Management) Bill, 2026 is under consideration, reflecting continued focus on sustainable groundwater governance.
The findings underscore the effectiveness of Gujarat’s long-term coordinated approach. While challenges remain in rapidly urbanising areas where demand outpaces recharge, overall assessment presents steady progress, reinforcing the importance of continued investment in surface water infrastructure, artificial recharge, micro irrigation and community-led conservation.
