the onset of summer has again brought into sharp focus a plethora of issues pertaining to groundwater. It has been found that the authorities in Rajasthan have yet to spring into damage-control mode despite the state being parched. The situation is equally alarming in states like Tamil Nadu (tn) and Maharashtra where the water table has plummeted. Kerala, too, is facing a similar crunch. Although Delhi may finally have a law to curb groundwater extraction in the near future and Gujarat has outlined steps to stem the flow, experts are apprehensive about the effectiveness of these measures. Vanishing act According to a draft report on depleting groundwater levels in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and tn, the need of the hour is a consistent groundwater legislation across the country. The draft report also lays stress on the importance of community participation in solving the problem. It is based on a survey funded by the uk