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Haryana is India's Third Most Groundwater-Stressed State

  • by- Zaid
  • May 4, 2026
Haryana has emerged as India's third most groundwater-stressed state, with 88 assessment units classified as overexploited accounting for 61.5% of its groundwater blocks. The NGT has ordered a wider review, citing nationwide failures in preventing illegal extraction.
Haryana is India's Third Most Groundwater-Stressed State

Gurugram, May 4: Haryana has emerged as India's third most groundwater-stressed state, with 88 assessment units classified as overexploited – 61.5% of its groundwater blocks, according to CGWA data placed before the NGT.

National Ranking

CGWA data shows:

  • Punjab: 75.1% (worst)

  • Rajasthan: 70.9% (second worst)

  • Haryana: 61.5% (third worst)

  • Delhi: 41.2%

  • Tamil Nadu: 33.87%

  • Karnataka: 18.99%

  • Uttar Pradesh: 7.06%

NGT Order

Hearing the matter suo motu, the NGT noted serious nationwide failures in tackling groundwater depletion. The order said that although groundwater regulation guidelines were in place, they had not been effectively implemented.

Haryana's Action

The state government told the tribunal that till June 27, 2025, it issued 1,850 show-cause notices to industries, restaurants, banquet halls, resorts and RO plants for violations. Environmental compensation charges imposed stood at 4.88 crore.

Expert Committee Formed

The NGT constituted a five-member expert committee comprising representatives from NGRI, GSI, environment ministry, IIT Roorkee and CGWA. The panel has been tasked to identify lapses and recommend groundwater recharge strategies within three months. The next hearing is on August 25, 2026.