Water Crisis: Issues and Challenges in Punjab

Abstract

Punjab, an agricultural state of India, is facing a severe water crisis due to lesser annual rainfall than normal (700 mm) since 1998. Further, Punjab is not getting adequate amount of river water due to political reasons like Indus treaty, damming and diversion of river water, water conflict with Haryana, Rajasthan, and central government. However, the irrigation water demand (4.45 m ham) is significantly more than total irrigation water availability (3.04 m ham). Hence, in most parts of the Punjab state, groundwater is being overexploited for irrigational purpose. Apart from this water scarcity or depletion problem, water quality is also being deteriorated and not suitable for drinking purpose. Basic groundwater parameters such as salinity, electrical conductivity (EC), chloride (Cl⁻), and nitrate (NO₃ ⁻) have surpassed the maximum permissible limit in most of the parts of this state. Even toxic heavy metals [like selenium, uranium, arsenic, and lead] and pesticides have also been reported in groundwater samples of several regions of Punjab. Intake of this heavy metals and pesticides contaminated water is affecting the health of native people. The condition of groundwater depletion and quality deterioration is most severe in Malwa region of Punjab. The poor water quality and presence of toxic heavy metal may be linked with the prevailing health issues in this region. Government is taking several initiatives regarding this issue and passed the Punjab Preservation of Sub-Soil Water Act (2009). Government is also providing subsidy to individual farmer to lay down underground pipeline, drip and sprinklers systems for irrigation. Additionally, government is promoting and appreciating preventive measures like watershed management and rainwater harvesting.