Decline in Groundwater Levels in Latur District and Its Environmental Impacts: A Geographical Study

Groundwater is an important natural resource for agriculture, drinking water, livestock and other human activities in Latur district of Maharashtra. The district is located in the drought-prone Marathwada region, where rainfall is relatively low and irregular. Increasing dependence on borewells, expansion of irrigation, water-intensive agriculture, recurrent droughts and changes in land use have placed considerable pressure on groundwater resources. The geological structure of the district, which is mainly composed of basaltic rocks of the Deccan Trap, also influences groundwater availability. The present study examines the causes of declining groundwater levels in Latur district and their environmental impacts. The study is based mainly on secondary information obtained from the Groundwater Surveys and Development Agency (GSDA), Government of Maharashtra, and other published sources. The study finds that groundwater decline is not only a water-related problem but also an environmental and geographical issue. It affects agriculture, vegetation, soil, local ecosystems and rural livelihoods. The study suggests that rainwater harvesting, watershed development, efficient irrigation, crop diversification, groundwater recharge and community participation are necessary for sustainable groundwater management in Latur district.