Safe and sustainable groundwater supply management from overexploited and geogenic contaminated alluvial aquifers, Punjab

Punjab is one of the prosperous State of India and ground water forms the major resource for drinking, irrigation and industrial purposes both in rural and urban areas. Groundwater is an asset, the quantity and quality of which need to be carefully controlled, protected and preserved. The developmental activities, in Punjab, have put great pressure on the ecological system of the State, leading to a fall in the level of ground water table, soil resources deterioration and environmental pollution.

The utility of ground water is a function of its chemical quality, which is normally ascertained through concentration values of various physical, chemical and biological parameters. Several inter-related processes like hydro-geological and environmental factors control the chemical composition of ground water. Indiscriminate extraction of groundwater for day to day uses, application of fertilizers in agriculture and unscientific disposal of industrial waste have great impact on ground water quality.

Aquifers are the repositories for ground water storage. Their dimensions, characteristics, quality, storage etc. need to be ascertained to manage them. This paper is based on assessment of aquiferwise ground water quality assessed in four districts, namely, Fatehgarh Sahib, Sangrur, Faridkot and Bathinda of Punjab State. It will help to evolve the management actions based on the lateral and vertical groundwater quality parameters.