In response to alarming reports of rapidly depleting groundwater levels in Punjab, a coalition of top farm scientists and alumni from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) have come together to form the “Punjab Water Conservation Initiative Group.” The initiative aims to address the pressing issue of water scarcity that threatens to engulf the state if left unchecked.
According to a recent press note, the group comprises esteemed individuals including Padma Bhushan Dr. Sardara Singh Johal, Padma Shri Dr. Rattan Lal, and World Food Prize laureate Dr. Gurdev Singh Khush, among others. These luminaries bring with them a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of agriculture and water resource management.
The impetus behind the formation of this group stems from a sobering report titled “Dynamic Groundwater Resource of River Basins 2022,” prepared by the Central Ground Water Board. The report paints a grim picture, indicating that the quality groundwater in all three aquifers in Punjab, up to a depth of 1,000 feet, could be depleted within the next 15 years. This looming crisis has been described as a “disaster of unprecedented proportions” by experts.
Speaking on behalf of the group, a senior functionary emphasized the urgent need for action to avert this impending catastrophe. The depletion of groundwater not only poses a grave threat to agriculture, the backbone of Punjab’s economy, but also jeopardizes the livelihoods of millions dependent on it.
The Punjab Water Conservation Initiative Group aims to tackle this multifaceted challenge through a comprehensive approach that encompasses conservation, innovation, and sustainable practices. Key strategies include promoting water-efficient farming techniques, implementing effective water management policies, and raising awareness among farmers and the public about the importance of water conservation.
Furthermore, the group intends to collaborate closely with government agencies, academic institutions, and grassroots organizations to leverage collective expertise and resources in pursuit of meaningful solutions.
As the specter of water scarcity looms large over Punjab, the formation of the Punjab Water Conservation Initiative Group represents a beacon of hope in the fight to safeguard this precious resource for future generations. It is a call to action for all stakeholders to unite in solidarity and solidarity to confront one of the most pressing challenges of our time.
