Major Problems and Challenges Associated with Groundwater Utilization in Uttar Pradesh:

1. Over-Exploitation: Excessive extraction of groundwater for agriculture, especially in regions like Bundelkhand and Western UP, has led to a sharp decline in water tables. The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) has marked several districts as “critical” or “over-exploited” in terms of groundwater availability.
2. Groundwater Pollution: Industrial and agricultural activities have resulted in chemical contamination, including arsenic, fluoride, and nitrate pollution, affecting areas such as Ballia and Unnao.
3. Climate Change: Erratic rainfall patterns due to climate change have impacted the natural recharge of groundwater, especially in regions dependent on monsoons for replenishment.
4. Lack of Regulation: Despite policies, the lack of effective regulation on groundwater extraction has worsened the crisis. Many farmers rely on unregulated borewells for irrigation.

These challenges require sustainable management practices and stricter groundwater governance to ensure long-term availability.