GNDU sets path to tackle Punjab’s water crisis

Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) has taken a significant step towards addressing Punjab’s growing water crisis by announcing the preparation of a comprehensive policy document on the issue, which will be submitted to the state government and the United Nations. This was disclosed by Vice-Chancellor Karamjit Singh during a high-level national workshop organised at the university. The workshop brought together experts, researchers and policy analysts to discuss Punjab’s water challenges.

Vice-Chancellor Singh said the university’s efforts would not remain confined to academic discussions; instead, the outcomes of the workshop would be transformed into a policy framework to support government-level decision-making.

“A declaration is being prepared today itself and will be submitted to the state government and the UN so that immediate and evidence-based actions can be taken. This will address groundwater depletion, contamination, existing water conservation systems and their upgradation,” he said.

The one-day regional workshop, titled “Water resource management in Punjab: From fragmentation to collective stewardship,” was jointly organised by GNDU’s Centre for Agricultural Research & Innovation (CARI), Department of Agriculture and Department of Botanical & Environmental Sciences, in collaboration with the Environment & Climate Change Centre of the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration (MGSIPA), Chandigarh, at the Guru Granth Sahib Bhavan.

Among the key experts, Dr SS Kukal, Lead, Environment & Climate Change Centre, MGSIPA, called for coordinated action across agencies to tackle Punjab’s dual challenge of frequent flooding and rapidly depleting groundwater. Echoing the urgency, Dr Tilak Raj Sharma, Former Deputy Director General (Crop Science), ICAR, highlighted the critical role of technology, hydrological assessment and institutional convergence in strengthening the state’s water resources. Both warned that without large-scale remedial measures, the situation would deteriorate further in the coming years.

The technical sessions addressed issues such as excessive water use in agriculture, uncontrolled tubewell discharge, inadequate rainwater harvesting systems and industrial impacts. Experts recommended a multi-pronged strategy from the village to the state level, including rainwater storage structures, construction of check dams, sustainable farming practices and extensive public awareness campaigns.

“GNDU will compile its research data, scientific expertise and field studies to create a strong policy document that will significantly contribute to pulling Punjab out of its water crisis. This step is extremely important in view of Punjab’s alarming groundwater extraction rate of more than 156 per cent, with most blocks categorised as over-exploited,” said Dr Tilak Raj Sharma.

Experts warned that inaction would lead to mounting economic losses and serious threats to agriculture. “We often talk about the issue and then forget. Universities should lead and governments should implement. This document will become a blueprint for Punjab’s future,” said Dr SS Kukal.

Ajmer S Brar, In-charge, Water Technology Centre, PAU, highlighted the role of technological interventions in ensuring efficient water use in agriculture.