Groundwater Crisis in Punjab and Haryana: A Looming Catastrophe

 Introduction: An Alarming Situation

Punjab and Haryana are facing an unprecedented groundwater crisis that threatens not only the agricultural backbone of the region but also the nation’s overall food security. Recent statistics from the Central Ground Water Board underscore the severity of the situation: Punjab’s Stage of Groundwater Extraction (SoE) is an alarming 163.76%, with Haryana not far behind at 135.74%. These figures indicate that the rate of groundwater extraction far exceeds its natural recharge, pushing aquifers to critical levels of depletion.

Agriculture and Water-Intensive Crops

The primary driver of this crisis is the extensive cultivation of paddy, a water-intensive crop that dominates the agricultural landscape in Punjab. The widespread cultivation of paddy is incentivised by assured procurement and subsidies. Despite government efforts to promote less water-intensive alternatives such as maize and pulses, farmers remain reluctant to shift due to inadequate minimum support prices (MSP) and the absence of reliable procurement mechanisms.

Depleting Water Levels and Quality

The consequences of this unsustainable agricultural practice are dire. Groundwater levels in Punjab are projected to drop below 300 metres by 2039, which could render the resource inaccessible. Additionally, the quality of the remaining groundwater is deteriorating, making it unsuitable for both irrigation and drinking purposes.

Urbanisation and Industrial Pressure

Adding to the crisis is the rapid pace of urbanisation and industrial expansion. Urban centres like Gurugram and Faridabad in Haryana are extracting more than twice the amount of groundwater that is sustainably available. This over-extraction exacerbates the stress on already-depleted aquifers, further compounding the crisis.

Policy Interventions: The Need for Urgent Action

The state governments, in coordination with the Centre, must act decisively to mitigate this crisis. Key measures should include:

• Expanding Canal-Based Irrigation: Increasing the use of canal water for irrigation to reduce dependence on groundwater.
• Incentivising Crop Diversification: Providing better MSPs and procurement guarantees for less water-intensive crops to encourage farmers to diversify.
• Implementing Robust Water Pricing Mechanisms: Introducing policies that discourage over-extraction of groundwater.

The Role of Central Initiatives

Programs like the Jal Shakti Abhiyan and Atal Bhujal Yojana have laid a foundation for rainwater harvesting and aquifer management. However, their impact remains limited due to inadequate implementation and scale. Questions arise about whether these measures are sufficient to reverse the alarming decline in groundwater levels.

A Call to Action

Without immediate and concerted efforts, the groundwater crisis could escalate into a national emergency. The livelihoods of millions and the nation’s food security hang in the balance. Policymakers must take decisive steps to safeguard this irreplaceable resource. If timely action is not taken, Punjab and Haryana risk descending into barrenness, with far-reaching consequences for the entire country.