Groundwater Recharge as a Strategy for Water Security in Tea Plantations: A Literature Review

Anurag Bera^1*, Puja Halder², Ibrahim Kaleel³, Upamita Karar² and  Trina Mandal⁴

¹Department of Agronomy, North Bengal Regional R and D Centre, Tea Research Association, Nagrakata, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, India

²Team Leader, Dooars Team, PRASARI-an NGO, Kolkata, West Bengal, India

³Department of Water Technology, Tocklai Tea Research Institute, Tea Research Association, Jorhat, Assam, India

⁴Department of Advisory, North Bengal Regional R and D Centre, Tea Research Association,, Nagrakata, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, India”

Corresponding Author Email:anuragbera123@gmail.com

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.12944/CARJ.14.1.2

Article Publishing History

Received: 02 May 2026
Accepted: 13 May 2026
Published Online: 21 May 2026

Review Details

Reviewed by: Dr. Mohammad Aneesul Mehmood
Second Review by: Dr. Piyush Kumar Singh
Final Approval by: Dr. Surendra Singh Bargali

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Abstract:

Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) cultivation in North-East India (NEI) including northern part of West Bengal is currently facing growing threats from climate change. Over recent decades, the region has witnessed a decline of more than 200 mm in annual rainfall and a temperature rise of about 1.3 °C. These shifts have caused soil-moisture deficits, extended dry spells during plucking seasons, and greater dependence on groundwater for crop sustenance. Several tea estates have already suffered yield reductions and quality deterioration due to such climatic stresses. In this context, groundwater recharge emerges as a promising adaptation strategy to replenish aquifers, sustain root-zone moisture, and alleviate the prevailing water stress. This literature review compiles and analyses studies published between 2000 and 2024 on groundwater-recharge methods adaptable to tea-growing ecosystems. Techniques such as percolation tanks, check dams, recharge pits or shafts, injection wells, and induced recharge systems have demonstrated effectiveness in enhancing water availability. Case studies from India and abroad report groundwater-level rises of 1-3 m and irrigation reductions of up to 25% following adoption. Moreover, these interventions improve microclimate regulation, nutrient and water use efficiency, and soil conservation, while also benefiting local drinking-water access. The review further highlights challenges in implementation and emphasizes the importance of an integrated framework encompassing policy support, hydrogeological mapping, community engagement, and long-term monitoring. Ultimately, the findings underscore the urgent need for the NEI tea industry to embrace groundwater-recharge strategies as a pathway for ensuring water security, climate resilience, and sustainable tea cultivation in the decades ahead.

Keywords:

Climate Change; Groundwater Recharge; Replenish Aquifers Tea Cultivation; Water Security.

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