Rapid Agricultural Driving Severe Groundwater Depletion Despite Rising Rainfall in Thar Desert
New study has revealed a striking transformation in the Thar Desert long known for its arid climate showing significant greening across both monsoon and non-monsoon seasons between 2001 and 2020. But behind this apparent revival lies a looming ecological concern: groundwater depletion, driven by rapid agricultural and urban expansion.
Researchers compared the seasonal cycle of vegetation greenness between 2001–2010 and 2011–2020, finding a substantial rise in greenery during both summer monsoon (June–September) and the drier months (October–May). However, they traced this trend back to a dramatic surge in farming activity and irrigation.
Between 1980 and 2015, the Thar region witnessed a 74% rise in crop area and a 24% increase in irrigated area. Gross and net irrigated areas expande...