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Not AvailableDrastic change in land use pattern in the Indian Thar desert has been observed during last few decades, especially in extreme arid region with annual rainfall <200 mm. More specifically, a significant increase in irrigated area in Jaisalmer district has been observed. As a consequence, number of electrified wells and tubewells used for irrigation purpose has increased during last few decades. All these have led to over-exploitation of ground water for irrigation purposes. In this study, we have tried to analyze the spatial pattern of ground water depletion in Jaisalmer district during last 15 years and its influence on energy and food security vis a-vis environmental pollution. Data on depth of ground water table of 117 wells in Jaisalmer district both during pre- and post-monsoon seasons of 1995, 2004, 2008 and 2009 were used along with statistical data on irrigated area under wells and tubewells. The average depth of ground water table was 42.64 m in 1995, which increased to 45.85 m in 2009. The annual rate of ground water depletion was 0.20 m. Overall, total annual energy consumption for irrigation in Jaisalmer was estimated at 277×106 MJ. Annual consumption of this energy for operating electric-operated submersible pumps indirectly leads to a GHG emission of 63.71 Gt CO2 equivalent. It is imperative that irrigated agriculture in Indian Thar desert is highly water and energy intensive, and both these resources are becoming scarce. A sustainable approach for water and energy management in arid agriculture is therefore very essential.Not Availabl