1 year ago
Punjab Faces Groundwater Crisis: Highest Extraction in India
Imagine Punjab is like a thirsty plant.
Farmers there are taking way too much water from underground, more than anywhere else in the country.
This is making the water levels go down and making the water dirty.
The water is polluted with things like poison and other contaminants.
Also, Punjab doesn't have many trees compared to other places.
This is all according to a new report that studies how the environment is doing, before a big environmental day.
Punjab's groundwater extraction is at 156.87%, the highest in India.
Over 75% of Punjab's blocks are overexploited.
Groundwater contamination in Punjab includes uranium, arsenic, and nitrate.
The number of districts with groundwater deeper than 40 meters increased from 3 to 11.
Punjab ranks low in tree and forest cover compared to other regions.
- Who
- According to the State of India's Environment 2025 report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and Down to Earth.
- What
- Punjab is facing a severe groundwater crisis with over-extraction and contamination.
- Where
- Punjab, India
- When
- Report released ahead of World Environment Day on June 5, 2024
- Why
- Over-extraction of groundwater is happening due to the dependence on tubewells for irrigation. Pollution stems from various elements like uranium and arsenic.
Key facts
- Punjab's Groundwater Extraction
- 156.87%
- Overexploited Blocks in Punjab
- Over 75%
- Districts with groundwater deeper than 40 meters (2024)
- 11
- Districts with groundwater deeper than 40 meters (2014)
- 3
- Districts affected by Uranium and Nitrate Contamination
- 20
