Punjab Unveils Major Plan to Save Groundwater

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has approved a 14-point action plan under the Integrated State Water Plan to conserve the state’s fast-depleting groundwater resources. The plan focuses on reducing the over-dependence on groundwater and encouraging the use of canal and surface water for irrigation and other essential needs.

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Alarming Groundwater Depletion Across Punjab

Chairing a key meeting of the Department of Water Resources, CM Mann highlighted the worsening groundwater crisis. He revealed that 115 out of 153 blocks in Punjab are now marked as over-exploited due to excessive water extraction.

He added that Punjab loses about 0.7 metres of groundwater annually, which equates to 5.2 billion cubic metres of extracted water every year — a serious environmental warning for future sustainability.

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Key Focus Areas of the 14-Point Plan

The newly approved plan aims to:

• Reduce groundwater demand
• Lower agricultural water consumption
• Improve irrigation techniques
• Recharge and replenish groundwater
• Explore deep aquifers
• Promote canal and surface water use
• Encourage sustainable water alternatives

CM Mann said these actions will create a more balanced water usage system and reduce the pressure on Punjab’s underground water sources.

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Shift Towards Water-Saving Irrigation Techniques

The government aims to bring nearly 15.8 lakh hectares of land under efficient irrigation methods like:

• Drip irrigation
• Sprinkler systems
• Advanced water-saving tools

These techniques are expected to significantly cut water waste, replacing outdated and inefficient practices.

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Restoration of Abandoned Water Infrastructure

CM Mann also highlighted recent achievements in water management, noting that the state government has:

• Restored over 17,000 watercourses (approx. 6,300 km in length)
• Rehabilitated 79 canals, covering around 545 km, which were abandoned for over 30–40 years

He stressed that upgrading old water infrastructure is key to improving water delivery systems and supporting farmers with sustainable irrigation options.

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Government’s Commitment to Water Conservation

CM Mann emphasized that the Department of Water Resources collaborated with several key departments to design this action plan. He assured that the government is committed to solving Punjab’s water crisis and protecting the state’s environment for future generations.