A recent study by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee has uncovered a surprising truth about the Ganga River more than 50% of its water quietly vanishes as it flows from the Himalayas into the plains, largely unnoticed by the public or policymakers.
Led by Professor Abhayanand S. Maurya, the research team examined the Ganga’s summer hydrology and found that contrary to popular belief, it is not glacial melt but groundwater discharge that plays the dominant role in sustaining the river’s flow during the dry season.
The findings challenge longstanding assumptions and carry critical implications for water resource planning, especially in the context of climate change and increasing water stress across the Gangetic plains.
Surprisingly, despite growing concerns over aquifer depletion, the study shows that groundwater levels in the central Ganga plains remain relatively stable, suggesting that this vital system still has the capacity to support the river at least for now.
However, the researchers caution that the silent loss of water more than half of the Ganga’s volume highlights the need for urgent action. The study recommends a renewed focus on reviving tributaries and monitoring groundwater use more rigorously to ensure long-term sustainability.
As India faces rising demand for water in agriculture, industry, and urban life, the revelations from this study offer a timely wake-up call to strengthen conservation efforts around one of the country’s most sacred and essential rivers.