Bathinda: Amid growing concerns over rapid groundwater depletion in Punjab, a two-day state-level workshop on ‘Groundwater Quality Issues and Challenges in Punjab’ started at Central University of Punjab (CUP), Bathinda, on Monday.Organised by the department of environmental science and technology, the workshop aimed to equip researchers, students, and stakeholders with practical tools for scientific groundwater monitoring and sustainable management.
CUP registrar Vijay Sharma underscored the urgency of addressing groundwater depletion and contamination, calling for evidence-based interventions. Prof P K Sahoo outlined the workshop’s objective of integrating science, technology, and policy for long-term water security.Delivering the keynote technical address, Amandeep Kaur, scientist, Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), presented a stark assessment of Punjab’s groundwater status.She noted that, as per GWR estimates, the state extracted significantly more groundwater than nature could replenish — 28.01 BCM being used against 17.07 available — resulting in 117 blocks being officially categorised as over-exploited.Gopal Krishan from the National Institute of Hydrology highlighted how isotope-based techniques act as a ‘water fingerprint’, enabling scientists to trace groundwater origin, age, and recharge zones, thereby guiding targeted conservation and recharge strategies.Offering a technology-driven perspective, Brijendra Pateriya, director, Punjab Remote Sensing Centre (PRSC), along with S K Sahoo, emphasised that nearly 80–85% of groundwater was consumed by agriculture, compounded by climate change impacts. They advocated the adoption of advanced GIS, satellite, and AI-based tools for real-time monitoring, depletion assessment, and rainfall forecasting.Addressing drinking water quality, J J Goel and Gurjot Kaur from the department of water supply and sanitation outlined Punjab’s multi-tier monitoring network and mitigation measures, including surface water projects and advanced purification systems. They stressed that achieving safe rural drinking water under the Jal Jeevan Mission required community participation and a robust 24×7 grievance redressal mechanism.Prof Smeer Durani spoke on integrated environmental assessment and advanced analytical techniques for water quality evaluation.The sessions on the second day will be on uranium and fluoride contamination in shallow aquifers, Punjab’s broader water challenges, and hands-on training in geospatial applications and advanced laboratory instruments. MSID:: 128424982 413 |
