Monitoring and Evaluation of Recharge Pits in Marathwada
A drone shot of waterlogged fields in Jalna, Maharashtra. Photo credit: Manram Collective
WELL Labs and Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) have released a new study assessing the impact of recharge pits on groundwater recharge and waterlogging in the basaltic landscapes of Maharashtra.
Despite widespread implementation, researchers Ishita Jalan, Lakshmikantha N R, and Gopal Penny found that recharge pits have minimal impact on large-scale groundwater recharge or waterlogging mitigation, largely due to limited subsurface storage and rapid aquifer discharge cycles.
Key findings:
• Recharge pits facilitate infiltration but do not lead to sustained groundwater level improvements
• Waterlogging persists where aquifers saturate early in the season
• No measurable difference in water levels between treated and untreated watersheds
• Aquifer properties—not interventions—drive water availability
Recommendations:
• Focus on integrated watershed management: check dams, bunds, and soil moisture strategies
• Strengthen groundwater demand regulation, crop planning, and irrigation efficiency
• Design interventions based on local hydrogeology and storage potential
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Acknowledgements
This study was conducted in collaboration with Environmental Defense Fund.
Authors Ishita Jalan, Lakshmikantha NR, Gopal Penny
Technical Review Vivek Singh Grewal, Veena Srinivasan
Editors Archita S, Ananya Revanna, Syed Saad Ahmed
Design Sarayu Neelakantan
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