Groundwater crisis in Punjab is widening social and economic divide, finds study
A study titled 'Unequal Burden of Groundwater Depletion in Punjab' reveals that over-exploitation of groundwater for water-intensive crops is worsening social and economic inequality. The research highlights that larger farmers with more capital are better equipped to cope with the crisis than smaller ones.
Why it matters
The findings underscore the intersection of agricultural policy, environmental sustainability, and social equity in India's breadbasket.
Low utilisation of surface canal water alongside extensive cultivation of water-intensive crops has triggered a severe groundwater crisis in Punjab, which in turn is exacerbating social and economic inequality across the State, according to a recent study.
The study, titled ‘Unequal Burden of Groundwater Depletion in Punjab’, shows the State is experiencing one of the most critical groundwater crises in the country, with a staggering 76.47% of its groundwater blocks classified as over-exploited — the highest percentage among all States in the country — and only 13.07% of blocks listed in the ‘safe’ category.
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