Archive · 27 Jul 2026
UP Achieves UN Water Goal Through Conservation Efforts
Uttar Pradesh has made big progress in managing its water.
The state has reduced how much groundwater it takes out and increased how much water goes back into the ground.
This was done through many different projects like building rainwater collection systems, fixing old water sources, and using new technology.
The government worked with the people to make these changes happen.
Because of these efforts, the state has met a global goal set by the United Nations.
There are now fewer areas where too much groundwater is being used, and more areas where the water levels are safe.
The government also built many dams, ponds, and other structures to help with water storage and recharge.
All these efforts have made water more available and helped farmers grow more food.
Uttar Pradesh reduced groundwater extraction from 71.26% in 2017 to 70% in 2025, meeting the UN's SDG-6.
The state increased annual groundwater recharge from 69.91 BCM in 2017 to 73.39 BCM in 2025.
Over-exploited development blocks decreased from 82 in 2017 to 44 in 2025.
Safe category development blocks increased from 540 in 2017 to 563 in 2025.
The state constructed 3.39 lakh rainwater harvesting structures and revived 1.34 lakh traditional water bodies between 2021 and 2025.
- Who
- Uttar Pradesh government under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath
- What
- Achieved the United Nations' Sixth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG-6) by reducing groundwater extraction and increasing recharge
- When
- Between 2017 and 2025
- Where
- Uttar Pradesh, India
- Why
- To address water scarcity and declining groundwater levels through conservation efforts
Government and Conservationists
Critics of Government Initiatives
Effectiveness of Water Conservation Campaigns
Government and Conservationists
The government's water conservation campaigns have significantly improved groundwater levels and reduced extraction rates, achieving the UN's SDG-6.
Critics of Government Initiatives
Critics argue that the improvements are marginal and more needs to be done to address water scarcity comprehensively.
- Groundwater Extraction Rate (2017)
- 71.26%
- Groundwater Extraction Rate (2025)
- 70%
- Annual Groundwater Recharge (2017)
- 69.91 BCM
- Annual Groundwater Recharge (2025)
- 73.39 BCM
- Over-Exploited Development Blocks (2017)
- 82
- Over-Exploited Development Blocks (2025)
- 44
- Safe Category Development Blocks (2017)
- 540
- Safe Category Development Blocks (2025)
- 563
- Rainwater Harvesting Structures (2021-2025)
- 3.39 lakh
- Traditional Water Bodies Revived (2021-2025)
- 1.34 lakh
- Watershed Development Works (2021-2025)
- 14.38 lakh
- Groundwater Recharge Structures (2021-2025)
- 1.33 lakh
- Gram Panchayats with Improved Groundwater Levels
- 303
- Buildings with Rainwater Harvesting Systems
- 35,206
- Check Dams Constructed
- 6,627
- Ponds Renovated
- 1,417
- Amrit Sarovars Developed
- 19,974
- Farm Ponds Constructed
- 37,273