GROUNDWATER PROBLEMS IN PUNJAB WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SRI MUKTSAR SAHIB DISTRICT

Abstract

Punjab is gifted with rich reservoir of water resources but after the advent of Green Revolution, the scenario completely changed. Although Punjab became the bread basket of the entire country, the state started to face the new set of problems. The water level started to deplete in the central districts of Punjab whereas the southwestern part of the state became waterlogged due to the extensive canal network. The more and more usage of chemicals led to contamination of soil, air and water in the entire state. The present study is an attempt to focus on the issues of groundwater in Punjab with prime focus on the district of Sri Muktsar Sahib which is facing the problems of waterlogging, salinity and the poor quality of groundwater owing to the presence of various chemicals such as uranium, nitrate, chloride, fluoride, etc. The study will also mention about the laws and the ongoing programs on the conservation of groundwater.