Analysis: Punjab's Farmers Dig Deeper As Groundwater Levels Keep Falling

Why in news

Experts warned that Punjab's groundwater is severely overexploited, threatening long-term agricultural sustainability and rural livelihoods.

Background

72.55% of Punjab's groundwater blocks are classified as over-exploited, with extraction exceeding recharge by 156%. Water tables have dropped by 14 meters since 1998, with a risk of aquifer exhaustion by 2039.

Facts for Prelims

• Fact72.55% of Punjab's groundwater blocks are currently classified as over-exploited.
• FactGroundwater extraction in Punjab exceeds recharge by 156%.
• FactWater tables in the region have fallen by 14 meters since 1998.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the impact of groundwater over-exploitation on Punjab's agrarian economy and suggest measures for sustainable water management.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

• impact on soil health
• rural debt cycle
• toxic contaminant risks
• recharge-based irrigation

Keywords: over-exploitation · aquifer depletion · sustainable agriculture · groundwater recharge · rural distress

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