*The Most Overlooked Environmental Challenge in India: Groundwater Depletion*
## *Table of Contents*
### *Foreword*
### *Preface*
### *Acknowledgements*
### *Part I: Understanding Groundwater and Its Importance*
1. *Introduction: The Silent Water Crisis Beneath Our Feet*
2. *Groundwater Explained: Sources, Systems, and Science*
3. *Why Groundwater Matters: Lifeline of Agriculture, Industry, and Cities*
4. *India’s Water Heritage: Traditional Wisdom in Water Conservation*
5. *Global Perspective: Groundwater Challenges Across the World*
### *Part II: The Groundwater Crisis in India*
6. *India’s Water Reality: Growing Demand and Shrinking Resources*
7. *Groundwater Depletion: Causes, Patterns, and Trends*
8. *Over-Extraction and Tube Wells: A Dangerous Dependence*
9. *Urbanization, Population Growth, and Water Stress*
10. *Climate Change and Its Impact on Groundwater Recharge*
### *Part III: Environmental, Social, and Economic Impacts*
11. *Declining Water Tables and Drying Wells*
12. *Agricultural Distress and Farmer Livelihoods*
13. *Drinking Water Scarcity and Public Health Risks*
14. *Ecological Damage: Rivers, Wetlands, and Biodiversity Loss*
15. *Economic Consequences of Water Insecurity*
### *Part IV: Policy, Governance, and Institutional Challenges*
16. *Groundwater Governance in India: Laws, Policies, and Gaps*
17. *Role of Government Agencies and Local Institutions*
18. *Community Participation and Panchayati Raj Institutions*
19. *Technology, Data, and Monitoring of Groundwater Resources*
20. *Barriers to Effective Water Management*
### *Part V: Solutions, Innovations, and Sustainable Pathways*
21. *Rainwater Harvesting and Artificial Recharge Techniques*
22. *Water-Efficient Agriculture and Crop Diversification*
23. *Urban Water Management and Sustainable Cities*
24. *Traditional Water Systems Revived: Stepwells, Tanks, and Johads*
25. *Role of Education, Awareness, and Citizen Action*
### *Part VI: Case Studies and Best Practices*
26. *Successful Community-Led Groundwater Conservation Models*
27. *State-Level Innovations in Water Governance*
28. *Corporate, NGO, and Civil Society Initiatives*
29. *International Success Stories and Lessons for India*
30. *Youth, Women, and Indigenous Leadership in Water Conservation*
### *Part VII: The Road Ahead*
31. *Building Water-Resilient Communities*
32. *Policy Reforms for a Sustainable Water Future*
33. *Technology, AI, and the Future of Water Management*
34. *Vision 2050: India’s Groundwater Security Roadmap*
35. *Conclusion: Saving the Invisible Lifeline of India*
### *Appendices*
* Glossary of Groundwater and Hydrology Terms
* Key Statistics and Data Tables
* Suggested Reading and Resources
### *Bibliography*
### *Index*
### *About the Author*
