Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has sanctioned a 14-point action plan under the Integrated State Water Plan, aimed at preserving and replenishing the state's groundwater resources. The initiative focuses on reducing reliance on groundwater and encouraging the use of canal and surface water for irrigation and other purposes.
Chairing a meeting of the Water Resources Department, the Chief Minister said the comprehensive plan has been carefully drafted in consultation with key departments and experts. It aims to curb Punjab’s heavy dependence on groundwater and promote the use of canal and surface water for irrigation and other essential needs.
Mann raised concern over the alarming groundwater situation, revealing that 115 out of 153 blocks in Punjab are categorised as over-exploited in terms of ground water extraction. “On average, the groundwater level drops by 0.7 metres every year due to the extraction of 5.2 billion cubic metres of water,” he said.
To address the crisis, the plan outlines measures such as reducing overall groundwater demand, cutting down water use in agriculture, enhancing irrigation techniques, and replenishing groundwater and artificially augmenting groundwater. It also proposes exploring deep aquifers and encouraging the adoption of surface water usage wherever feasible.
Highlighting recent efforts, Mann said the state government has already restored 17,000 watercourses, spanning around 6,300 km, which had been abandoned for over three decades. Additionally, 79 canals covering 545 km have been restored after lying unused for nearly 30 to 40 years.
A key objective of the plan is to bring approximately 15.8 lakh hectares of agricultural land under water-efficient irrigation methods like drip and sprinkler systems. This shift aims to reduce overall water demand and minimise wastage through improved efficiency.
The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to sustainable water management and called on all departments to implement the strategy in mission mode.
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