Punjab’s Water Crisis

Punjab, a northern state in India, faces water crisis. Despite being a major agricultural hub, the state struggles with water scarcity. The Indus Water Treaty governs the distribution of river water between India and Pakistan. However, Punjab’s water resources are dwindling due to mismanagement and over-exploitation.

Current Water Scenario in Punjab

Punjab’s annual water demand is 66.12 billion cubic meters (BCM). Agriculture consumes 62.58 BCM of this total. The state, however, only has access to 52.85 BCM, leading to a deficit of 13.27 BCM. Groundwater meets 47% of Punjab’s needs, but this resource is rapidly depleting. Effective rainfall contributes 20.98 BCM, while canal water provides 14.80 BCM.

Indus Water Treaty Overview

The Indus Water Treaty allocates river water between India and Pakistan. India can use the Eastern Rivers—Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi—without restrictions. Pakistan receives water from the Western Rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. Despite having rights to the Eastern Rivers, Punjab’s usage is limited to 14.80 BCM, with amounts flowing to neighbouring states and Pakistan.

Groundwater Depletion

Groundwater resources in Punjab are declining at an alarming rate. Studies by the Central Ground Water Board indicate severe depletion due to over-extraction. Farmers rely heavily on groundwater to compensate for surface water shortages. This unsustainable practice threatens long-term water availability.

Water Management Challenges

Punjab lacks effective water storage mechanisms. While the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi have dams, smaller rivers require better management. Canalisation efforts to direct river water have not been successfully implemented. The state has yet to remodel its canal system to handle excess water and recharge groundwater effectively.

Urban Water Supply Issues

Major cities like Jalandhar, Ludhiana, and Amritsar face severe water shortages during summer. Proposals to bring Beas water to Jalandhar remain unfulfilled. The crisis is exacerbated by infrastructural deficiencies and mismanagement. Urban areas are at risk of desertification due to inadequate water supply.

Future Directions for Water Management

To address the water crisis, Punjab needs substantial investments in water management and infrastructure. Strategies should include decreasing the area under paddy cultivation, improving canal systems, and enhancing water storage capabilities. Effective management can help mitigate the impending crisis.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the implications of the Indus Water Treaty on India’s water security and its agricultural sector.
2. Explain the relationship between groundwater depletion and agricultural practices in Punjab. What measures can be taken to reverse this trend?
3. What are the key challenges in urban water supply management in Punjab? How can these challenges be addressed effectively?
4. What is the significance of canalisation in water management? Discuss its potential benefits for Punjab’s water crisis.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the implications of the Indus Water Treaty on India’s water security and its agricultural sector.

1. The Indus Water Treaty allocates Eastern Rivers to India, but Punjab’s usage is limited, impacting agricultural water supply.
2. Water scarcity in Punjab threatens food security, as agriculture is heavily dependent on adequate water resources.
3. Disputes with neighboring states over water sharing further complicate Punjab’s agricultural sustainability.
4. The treaty’s restrictions on storage and management hinder effective water utilization during surplus periods.
5. Long-term implications include potential conflicts over water rights and the need for renegotiation of the treaty.

2. Explain the relationship between groundwater depletion and agricultural practices in Punjab. What measures can be taken to reverse this trend?

1. Punjab relies on groundwater for 47% of its water needs, primarily for agriculture, leading to over-extraction.
2. Unsustainable farming practices, particularly paddy cultivation, exacerbate groundwater depletion.
3. Measures like promoting drought-resistant crops and improving irrigation efficiency can help conserve groundwater.
4. Implementing rainwater harvesting and enhancing groundwater recharge systems are essential for sustainability.
5. Policy changes to regulate groundwater extraction and incentivize sustainable practices are crucial for reversing depletion trends.

3. What are the key challenges in urban water supply management in Punjab? How can these challenges be addressed effectively?

1. Major cities face severe water shortages due to inadequate infrastructure and mismanagement of resources.
2. Urban areas are often reliant on over-exploited groundwater, leading to further depletion and supply issues.
3. Encroachment on floodplains and poor canal management complicate effective water distribution.
4. Investments in infrastructure, including treatment plants and distribution networks, are essential for improvement.
5. Public awareness and community involvement in water conservation can enhance urban water supply management.

4. What is the significance of canalisation in water management? Discuss its potential benefits for Punjab’s water crisis.

1. Canalisation helps direct surplus river water to areas in need, improving irrigation and reducing flooding risks.
2. It can enhance groundwater recharge by managing excess water more effectively.
3. Improved canal systems can reduce dependency on groundwater, alleviating depletion concerns.
4. Canalisation can also support flood management strategies, protecting urban and agricultural areas.
5. Successful implementation requires investment and planning, but it offers a sustainable solution to Punjab’s water crisis.