Home / Environment / Punjab's Water Crisis: Groundwater Depletion Alarms Sounded
Punjab's Water Crisis: Groundwater Depletion Alarms Sounded
17 Feb
Summary
- Punjab uses more groundwater than nature replenishes.
- 117 blocks in Punjab are officially over-exploited.
- Agriculture consumes 80-85% of Punjab's groundwater.
A critical state-level workshop on 'Groundwater Quality Issues and Challenges in Punjab' commenced at Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, addressing the escalating concerns over groundwater depletion. The event brought together researchers, students, and stakeholders to enhance scientific groundwater monitoring and sustainable management practices.
Experts presented a sobering assessment, indicating that Punjab extracts 28.01 BCM of groundwater annually against a replenishment capacity of 17.07 BCM, resulting in 117 blocks being officially categorized as over-exploited. Agriculture was identified as the largest consumer, utilizing 80-85% of the groundwater, with climate change further intensifying the problem.
Discussions also encompassed advanced technological solutions, including isotope-based techniques for tracing water origins and recharge zones, alongside GIS and AI-based tools for real-time monitoring and rainfall forecasting. Efforts to ensure safe drinking water quality through robust monitoring networks and purification systems were also highlighted, emphasizing community participation.
Subsequent sessions were planned to delve into specific contamination issues like uranium and fluoride, broader water challenges in Punjab, and practical training in geospatial applications and laboratory instruments.
