Assessment of Groundwater Extraction and Water Footprints in Punjab

This study investigates regional disparities in groundwater extraction and irrigation practices across Punjab. A total of 500 farmers from 20 villages were surveyed, with data collected on borewell depth, water levels, motor capacity, and water productivity. In central Punjab districts i.e. Sangrur, farmers heavily rely on deep submersible pumps and long-duration crop varieties. Sangrur exhibits the deepest borewells (355 ft) and highest motor capacities (19.22 hp), reflecting severe groundwater extraction. Conversely, southwestern districts such as Bathinda and Fazilka use centrifugal pumps and benefit from canal water to address groundwater scarcity and quality concerns. Water footprints vary significantly, with Bathinda and Sangrur exhibiting the highest for paddy (2366 and 2245 l/kg respectively). Sangrur shows a high footprint for Basmati rice (3357 l/kg) and Bathinda exhibits highest for wheat (760 l/kg). Water productivity varies across districts, higher productivity observed for paddy in Hoshiarpur (0.605 kg/m³) and Rupnagar (0.541 kg/m³). For wheat, water productivity was higher in Sangrur (1.658 kg/m³), Hoshiarpur (1.603 kg/m³), and Rupnagar (1.597 kg/m³). The study emphasizes the urgent need for region-specific water management strategies, including promoting short-duration crops, enhancing canal infrastructure, and implementing artificial groundwater recharge.