Phase IFoundation
Background
Overview
Addresses a critical environmental challenge impacting water security, livelihoods, and the sustainability of fragile ecosystems. Understanding its drivers is essential for effective policy formulation and sustainable resource management, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas like the Himalayas.
Groundwater depletion refers to the long-term decline in the water table due to unsustainable extraction or reduced recharge. In mountain regions, this often manifests as drying up of natural springs and traditional water sources, exacerbated by both natural and anthropogenic factors.