AVAILABILITY OF SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER RESOURCES

• India's water availability is governed by the "Assessment of Water Resources of India-2024" (Central Water Commission) for surface water and the annual Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment (CGWB + States) for groundwater.
• Despite hosting ~18% of global population, India has only ~4% of global freshwater — making basin-wise and aquifer-wise budgeting examinable for GS-I (geography) and GS-III (environment/economy).
• Key custodian: Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.