Maharashtra to Switch to Monthly Groundwater Monitoring as Water Stress Worsens

Maharashtra's water resources department said it will enlarge the groundwater monitoring network and change the assessment cycle from quarterly to monthly, aiming for a more accurate picture of aquifer health. The decision follows reports of worsening water stress in several districts, where falling water tables have forced farmers to rely increasingly on borewells. Officials said the added frequency will enable quicker identification of critical zones and guide targeted relief measures. Additional monitoring stations will be installed and remote‑sensing technology will be employed, with the collected data to be released publicly for use by farmers, planners and policymakers. The state hopes the initiative will complement existing drought‑mitigation programmes and promote water‑saving practices.