Punjab's Water Crisis: Groundwater Drains, Pollutes

A parliamentary committee has sounded the alarm over Punjab's critical groundwater situation, citing rapid depletion and heavy metal contamination. Excessive extraction is far outpacing natural replenishment, leading to severe aquifer depletion and declining water tables. This alarming trend places immense stress on the agrarian state's vital natural resource.

The committee also voiced significant concerns regarding groundwater contamination across several states, including Punjab. While contamination by heavy metals is often location-specific, monitoring over the past five years reveals an alarming increase in key pollutants like electrical conductivity, fluoride, and nitrate in many districts.

Furthermore, the panel noted considerable delays in installing essential digital water-level recorders, with Punjab reporting zero installations until January 2026. This delay, particularly in water-stressed regions, is a cause for concern, and the committee has urged expedited action.

In light of recent flood events that caused widespread damage in Punjab, the committee stressed the need for measures to control surplus monsoon water, such as constructing dams and reservoirs in downstream areas to mitigate future flood impacts.