barublogA Rapidly Depleting Resource
Punjab is facing a severe water crisis, with groundwater levels dwindling at an alarming rate. If current trends continue, the state, once the cornerstone of India’s agriculture, may face a critical water shortage within the next few decades, turning from a fertile land into a desert.
Extent of Groundwater Depletion
Recent data reveals that 79% of Punjab’s districts are experiencing over-exploitation of groundwater, with an annual depletion rate of 51 cm. Without immediate intervention, the state’s water reserves could be exhausted within 22 years, drastically affecting its agricultural productivity.
Most Affected Regions
The situation is dire in districts such as Bathinda, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Moga, Pathankot, and Patiala, where groundwater levels are dropping by nearly one meter each year. The need to dig tubewells up to 300 feet deep for irrigation underscores the severity of the water shortage.
Factors Driving the Crisis
Agriculture is the primary consumer of groundwater, responsible for 96.65% of extraction. However, industrial and domestic water use, along with the inefficient use of water by institutions like schools and hospitals, compounds the issue, indicating the need for comprehensive solutions.
Legislative Actions and Obstacles
The Punjab government has introduced measures such as the Preservation of Subsoil Water Act of 2009 to address the crisis. Despite these efforts, enforcement challenges and limited compliance underscore the need for broader societal engagement and more effective regulation.
Urgent Action Required
Forecasts from the state agriculture department predict that groundwater reserves at 100 meters depth could be depleted within 12 years, and those at 300 meters within 20-25 years. This looming crisis calls for immediate and coordinated action from all stakeholders to develop sustainable strategies and ensure Punjab’s water future.
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