Groundwater crisis
PUNJAB and Haryana are on the brink of a groundwater crisis that could jeopardise not only the region’s agricultural backbone but also the nation’s food security. Recent data from the Central Ground Water Board paints a grim picture: Punjab’s Stage of Groundwater Extraction (SoE) stands at a staggering 163.76%, while Haryana follows closely with 135.74%. These figures indicate that groundwater extraction in these states far exceeds natural recharge, pushing aquifers to critical depletion levels.
The crisis is primarily driven by the cultivation of paddy, a water-guzzling crop that dominates Punjab’s agricultural landscape due to assured procurement and subsidies. Despite efforts to promote alternatives like maize or pulses, farmers remain hesitant, citing inadequate minimum support prices (MSP) and procurement guarantees. As groundwater levels plummet — they are expected to drop below 300 metres by 2039 in Punjab — the quality of water deteriorates, rendering it unfit for both irrigation and drinking. In addition to agricultural practices, rapid urbanisation and industrial growth have exacerbated the crisis. Cities like Gurugram and Faridabad in Haryana have been drawing more than double their extractable groundwater, highlighting the unsustainable pressure on this vital resource. The state governments, along with the Centre, must urgently implement measures such as expanding canal-based irrigation, incentivising crop diversification and ensuring robust water pricing mechanisms to discourage over-extraction.
The Jal Shakti Abhiyan and Atal Bhujal Yojana have laid the groundwork for rainwater harvesting and aquifer management. But, unfortunately, their impact remains limited. It raises questions over the ability of the two states to reverse the alarming decline. Without immediate and concerted action, the groundwater crisis could spiral into a national emergency, threatening livelihoods and food security. It is time for policymakers to act decisively to protect this irreplaceable resource even as the affected states face impending barrenness.
