Understanding Groundwater Depletion Scenario for Rural Areas: Using Isotopes and Modelling: Case Study of Upper Godavari Catchment, Maharashtra, India

India relies heavily on groundwater, especially for farming, causing worrying and unsustainable declines. This study shows how rainwater moves from the atmosphere into the ground and how quickly aquifers refill. Using environmental tracers and computer models, the research reveals that shallow aquifers recharge quickly through cracks in basalt rock, while deeper ones refill very slowly. Many wells contain mostly young water, making them vulnerable to overuse and pollution. By combining isotope analysis with advanced modelling, the study creates a practical framework to guide smarter, more sustainable groundwater management in India’s hard-rock regions.