Abstract
This study investigates the trends and variations in groundwater levels across Wards 1 to 20 of Ujjain city from 2022 to 2025. Primary and secondary data collected from piezometers and municipal records were analyzed to understand seasonal fluctuations and long-term decline. The results indicate significant depletion in groundwater levels in highly populated and tourism-centric zones, especially near religious hubs like Mahakal Lok. The research reveals that wards near religious centers experienced the sharpest decline, with water levels reaching 13 meters below ground level (mbgl) by 2025. Seasonal recharge during monsoons proved temporary and insufficient to compensate for high withdrawal rates throughout the year. The paper emphasizes the urgent need for effective water management practices, especially rainwater harvesting and aquifer recharge, to ensure sustainable groundwater use in these wards. Recommendations include strict regulation of private borewells and rehabilitation of traditional water structures to mitigate the growing water crisis in this historically significant city.
