The Opening Stock for a given year is simply the Closing Stock of the previous year. The preliminary results of the estimation revealed a continuing trend towards the depletion of the nation's stock of groundwater resources. As a result of over-extraction, salt water has encroached upon the groundwater supply in several areas around the country, rendering water unsuitable for drinking. With the continuing increase in the country'' population, this trend is likely to continue in years to come. Recent effects of the La Nina phenomenon may temporarily arrest this trend, but the sustainability of the country's supply of water should not depend on sporadic occurrences like the La Nina.
Proper planning is the key to addressing problems concerning the country's water resources.
Such plans however, must be based on sound environmental indicators and should be formulated within the context of the country's sustainable development objectives.