The Punjab government has taken a significant step towards addressing its critical water challenges by granting in-principle approval for a detailed, micro-level scientific study. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema announced on Monday that the state has approved a Rs 1.61 crore study focused on water resources and seepage patterns.
A Deep Dive into Punjab's Water Crisis
As an agrarian state, Punjab faces severe issues regarding water availability and sustainable usage. The new study will be conducted by the Punjab State Farmers' & Farm Workers' Commission (PSFFWC) in collaboration with IIT Ropar. Its primary goal is to develop effective, long-term solutions for managing the state's rapidly depleting subsoil water levels. This initiative follows an earlier macro-level study done by PSFFWC with the National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), Roorkee, which was reviewed by the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Committee on Agriculture Reforms. The committee subsequently recommended a more granular, micro-level analysis.
Advanced Techniques and a Five-Phase Plan
The micro-level study will employ sophisticated scientific methods to get an accurate picture of the water situation. These techniques include carbon dating and isotope analysis of subsoil and repository water, along with a comprehensive state-wide examination of seepage patterns. The ambitious study has a wide range of objectives, from profiling all available water resources to characterizing aquifers for better policy-making.
The project is structured into five detailed phases, slated for completion within 12 months of receiving the necessary funds:
- Phase 1: A field survey to identify and finalize sampling sites across Punjab.
- Phase 2: Developing a hydrogeological framework to map the state's complex aquifer systems.
- Phase 3: Hydro-chemical characterisation and isotopic analysis to check contamination levels and trace water sources.
- Phase 4: Identifying specific areas where the canal network can be expanded for better water distribution.
- Phase 5: Formulating concrete recommendations and management measures for the government.
Pathway to Sustainable Water Management
This study represents a crucial move from broad assessment to targeted action. By understanding seepage rates and aquifer characteristics at a micro-level, the Punjab government aims to create a data-driven, sustainable water management policy. The collaboration with premier institutions like IIT Ropar ensures the application of cutting-edge science to one of the state's most pressing existential issues. The findings are expected to directly inform future agricultural and environmental policies, aiming to secure water for Punjab's future generations.
