Punjab Groundwater Crisis: 156.9% Extraction Rate & Toxic Contamination Raise Alarm

Published on: June 23, 2025 | Category: Environment | Tags: Punjab, Groundwater, Uranium, Fluoride, Arsenic, Jal Shakti, NGT

Overview

Punjab, India’s agricultural powerhouse, is now facing one of the worst groundwater crises in the country. According to a recent report by the Jal Shakti Ministry, the state has recorded an alarming groundwater extraction rate of 156.9%, far exceeding the sustainable threshold of 70–80%.

This crisis is worsened by the presence of toxic elements like uranium, fluoride, and arsenic in the groundwater, endangering the health and livelihood of millions.

Key Statistics

Source: Ministry of Jal Shakti, CGWB

Causes of the Crisis

1. Green Revolution Legacy
   • Excessive reliance on tube wells for irrigation (especially for paddy).
   • Government MSP policy favours water-intensive crops like paddy over sustainable alternatives.
2. Climate Change Impact
   • Decline in monsoon reliability, leading to more dependence on groundwater.
3. Inefficient Irrigation Practices
   • Flood irrigation is still dominant; poor adoption of drip/sprinkler systems.
4. Lack of Regulation
   • Absence of effective groundwater laws or metering of private borewells.

Contamination Concerns

• Uranium: Found in Bathinda, Mansa — linked to cancer and kidney damage.
• Fluoride: Causes skeletal fluorosis, especially in children.
• Arsenic: Highly carcinogenic; found in trace amounts exceeding WHO limits.

A study by PGIMER Chandigarh and CSIR-NGRI attributes uranium contamination to geogenic causes, worsened by over-extraction and deep aquifer tapping.

Government Interventions

1. Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY)
   • Punjab is included in the scheme focused on community-led groundwater management.
   • Implementation is weak at village levels due to poor awareness.
2. Crop Diversification Programme
   • Promotes less water-intensive crops like maize, pulses, and oilseeds.
   • Adoption has been low due to lack of market incentives.
3. Canal Irrigation Revival
   • Efforts to restore Bikaner and Sirhind canals for surface irrigation.
4. Water Testing and Treatment
   • Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and state departments have intensified testing and awareness.
   • Few reverse osmosis (RO) plants have been installed in rural areas.

For UPSC & Competitive Exam Prep

This crisis is important for:

• GS Paper 1 & 3 (Geography/Environment) – resource depletion, irrigation, contamination
• GS Paper 2 – governance & water policy
• Essay – water crisis in India
• Case Study – Punjab as an example of unsustainable agriculture

What Needs to Be Done?

• Enact a Punjab Groundwater Management Act with community participation.
• Incentivize crop diversification and sustainable irrigation.
• Strengthen canal-based irrigation and rainwater harvesting.
• Ban new borewells in over-exploited zones.
• Integrate scientific water budgeting and groundwater recharge mapping.