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Aquifers of North India and the Indo-Gangetic Plains with Vivek Grewal

Hydrogeologist Vivek Grewal unpacks the basic science of groundwater and how groundwater behaves in the Indo-Gangetic region.

Apr 9, 2026

Hydrogeologist Vivek Grewal joins host Pavan Srinath once again to unpack the basic science of groundwater and to explain how groundwater behaves in one of India’s most important hydrogeological regions.

Where does groundwater fit in the water story? Vivek explains why most of the world’s liquid freshwater exists underground, how rainfall becomes groundwater, and how rivers like the Ganga are sustained by flows beneath the surface.

The episode then breaks down how aquifers work – from porosity and fractures to recharge and baseflow – while debunking common myths about ‘hidden underground rivers.’

Finally, the discussion turns to the Indo-Gangetic aquifer, explaining how it was formed and why regions like Punjab, UP, Bihar and Bengal face very different challenges – from depletion and salinity to arsenic contamination.

 

Drawing from both field experience and hydrogeological research, Vivek also explains why western India faces severe depletion despite large underground storage, why eastern India may have more water but different access and quality challenges, and how a better understanding of groundwater is essential for managing agriculture, drinking water and long-term water security.

Vivek Grewal is the Managing Partner with the Technical Consulting programme at WELL Labs. He has around 9+ years of experience in the water sector. He is passionate about taking the science of hydrology to the grassroots organisations.

Pavan Srinath is the Managing Partner for Communications and Development at WELL Labs. Pavan is a communications and public policy professional who has spent over 14 years working in Bangalore’s not-for-profit sector.

This episode is essential viewing for anyone interested in groundwater, hydrology, Indian geography, water security, agriculture, geology, and the science behind how water moves beneath the surface.

The WELL Labs Show features rich conversations on water, environment, land and livelihoods, from the people and partners of WELL Labs. Hosted by Pavan Srinath and occasionally guest-hosted by colleagues from WELL Labs, each episode explores complex environmental and social issues and helps you understand the systems and the dynamics better. 

Resources:

  1. Vivek Grewal: LinkedIn | WELL Labs Website
  2. Pavan Srinath: LinkedIn | WELL Labs Website
  3. ACWADAM website
  4. Arghyam website
  5. Groundwater in the Indo-Gangetic Basin | Alan M MacDonald
  6. Jal Jeevan Mission

The WELL Labs Show features rich conversations on water, environment, land and livelihoods, from the people and partners of WELL Labs. Hosted by Pavan Srinath, each episode explores complex environmental and social issues and helps you understand systems and dynamics better.

Subscribe to The WELL Labs show on the WELL Labs YouTube channel. 

Recording by Nabina Chakraborty and Vraj Acharya  

Video editing by Ranjith Kumar S

Graphics and artwork by Kanishka Goyal and Aparna Nambiar

Podcast production and management by Nabina Chakraborty and Pavan Srinath

 

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