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
| Parameter | Value / Status |
|---|---|
| Groundwater Extraction Rate | 156.9% (2023–24 data) |
| Sustainable Limit | ~70–80% |
| Over-exploited Blocks (2023) | 117 out of 150+ |
| Contaminants Detected | Uranium, Fluoride, Arsenic |
| Affected Districts | Bathinda, Mansa, Faridkot, Sangrur, Patiala |
Source: Ministry of Jal Shakti, CGWB
Causes of the Crisis
- 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.
- Climate Change Impact
- Decline in monsoon reliability, leading to more dependence on groundwater.
- Inefficient Irrigation Practices
- Flood irrigation is still dominant; poor adoption of drip/sprinkler systems.
- 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
- 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.
- Crop Diversification Programme
- Promotes less water-intensive crops like maize, pulses, and oilseeds.
- Adoption has been low due to lack of market incentives.
- Canal Irrigation Revival
- Efforts to restore Bikaner and Sirhind canals for surface irrigation.
- 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.