Punjab Groundwater Crisis: State Workshop Addresses Critical Depletion and Quality Issues
Amid escalating concerns over rapid groundwater depletion in Punjab, a pivotal two-day state-level workshop on 'Groundwater Quality Issues and Challenges in Punjab' commenced at the Central University of Punjab (CUP) in Bathinda on Monday. Organized by the Department of Environmental Science and Technology, this comprehensive workshop was strategically designed to equip researchers, students, and key stakeholders with practical tools for scientific groundwater monitoring and sustainable management.
Urgent Call for Evidence-Based Interventions
CUP Registrar Vijay Sharma underscored the critical urgency of addressing both groundwater depletion and contamination, issuing a strong call for evidence-based interventions. Professor P K Sahoo elaborated on the workshop's core objective: to integrate science, technology, and policy frameworks for achieving long-term water security in the state.
Stark Assessment of Groundwater Status
Delivering the keynote technical address, Amandeep Kaur, a scientist from the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), presented a stark and alarming assessment of Punjab's groundwater status. She revealed that, according to GWR estimates, the state is extracting significantly more groundwater than nature can replenish. Specifically, 28.01 billion cubic meters (BCM) are being used annually against a mere 17.07 BCM available, resulting in a staggering 117 blocks being officially categorized as over-exploited.
Innovative Techniques and Technology-Driven Solutions
Gopal Krishan from the National Institute of Hydrology highlighted the revolutionary role of isotope-based techniques, which act as a precise 'water fingerprint'. This advanced methodology enables scientists to accurately trace groundwater origin, age, and recharge zones, thereby guiding highly targeted conservation and recharge strategies.
Offering a robust technology-driven perspective, Brijendra Pateriya, Director of the Punjab Remote Sensing Centre (PRSC), along with S K Sahoo, emphasized a critical statistic: nearly 80–85% of Punjab's groundwater is consumed by the agricultural sector, a situation further compounded by the adverse impacts of climate change. They strongly advocated for the widespread adoption of advanced GIS, satellite, and AI-based tools to enable real-time monitoring, precise depletion assessment, and improved rainfall forecasting.
Addressing Drinking Water Quality and Community Role
Focusing on drinking water quality, J J Goel and Gurjot Kaur from the Department of Water Supply and Sanitation outlined Punjab's existing multi-tier monitoring network and various mitigation measures. These include the development of surface water projects and the implementation of advanced purification systems.
They stressed a crucial point: achieving the goal of safe rural drinking water under the ambitious Jal Jeevan Mission requires robust community participation and the establishment of a reliable 24×7 grievance redressal mechanism. Professor Smeer Durani further contributed by speaking on integrated environmental assessment and the application of advanced analytical techniques for comprehensive water quality evaluation.
Focus on Day Two: Contamination and Hands-On Training
The sessions scheduled for the second day of the workshop will delve into specific and pressing issues, including uranium and fluoride contamination in shallow aquifers, Punjab's broader water challenges, and practical, hands-on training in geospatial applications and the use of advanced laboratory instruments. This workshop marks a significant step toward collaborative, scientific action against Punjab's deepening water crisis.
