Chandigarh: A parliamentary panel has raised serious concern over the rapid depletion and heavy metal contamination of Punjab’s groundwater, flagging growing stress on the agrarian state’s key natural resource.The Standing Committee on Water Resources, in its report on the demands for grants for 2026–27 of the Union ministry of Jal Shakti, noted that excessive groundwater extraction across the country has led to aquifer depletion and a sharp decline in water tables. It observed that many states — “most notably” Punjab and Rajasthan — face a critical imbalance, with water withdrawal rates far exceeding natural replenishment.During oral evidence, the ministry informed the committee about national guidelines to regulate groundwater extraction in over-exploited regions, which can be implemented by states. Taking note of the gravity of the situation, the committee stressed that the department must adopt a proactive strategy to curb groundwater exploitation at the national level and prioritise collaboration with states and UTs for strict implementation of these guidelines. It sought a status update within three months of the report’s presentation.The committee also expressed concern over groundwater contamination in several states, including Punjab. Referring to the Central Ground Water Board’s findings, it noted that contamination by heavy metals is generally location-specific and depends on local hydrogeological conditions and source pressures, and does not necessarily indicate uniform contamination across an entire area.The department informed the committee about steps being taken to address contamination, including aquifer mapping under the National Aquifer Mapping and Management Programme (NAQUIM), construction of arsenic- and fluoride-safe wells, implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), artificial recharge of aquifers, and promotion of sustainable agriculture to discourage excessive use of chemical fertilisers and encourage organic practices.However, the committee observed that, based on monitoring over the past five years, contamination in terms of key parameters such as electrical conductivity (EC), fluoride (F), and nitrate (NO3) has increased at an alarming pace in many partially affected districts across states and UTs.It also flagged delays in the installation of digital water-level recorders, with several states, including Punjab, reporting zero installations till January 2026. While noting ongoing efforts, the committee expressed concern over the delay, particularly in water-stressed states, and called for expedited action. It sought a progress report within three months.TAKES NOTE OF FLOODSTaking note of recent flood events, the committee highlighted the situation in Punjab, which caused large-scale loss of life and property, crop damage, displacement, and infrastructure destruction. It noted that heavy monsoon rainfall in upper catchment areas, particularly in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, along with surplus releases from dams, intensified flooding in downstream districts, especially along the Ravi, Beas, and Satluj rivers. The committee asked the ministry to impress upon the concerned state govts to take necessary measures, including construction of dams, reservoirs, and barrages in downstream areas, to control surplus water during the monsoon season and mitigate damage caused by recurring flood events. It sought to be apprised of progress on this front within three months.Panel’s key observationsPunjab among worst-hit states with groundwater extraction exceeding rechargeRapid aquifer depletion and falling water tables flaggedHeavy metal contamination reported; largely location-specificRising pollution levels (EC, fluoride, nitrate) across districtsDelay in installing digital water-level recorders; Punjab reports zero till Jan 2026Panel seeks stricter enforcement of groundwater extraction normsCentre asked to submit status report within 3 months
