Water wealth: On groundwater exploitation in Punjab
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Cropping patterns & irrigation· Prelims + Mains·
Groundwater depletion and agrarian distress: a key GS3 case study on resource management and subsidy impacts.
Why in news
The 2025-26 Dynamic Groundwater Assessment highlighted Punjab's critical groundwater crisis, where extraction exceeds recharge at 152% due to intensive rice-wheat irrigation.
Background
Punjab's groundwater extraction rate is 152%, with 72% of its blocks classified in the 'red zone'. Irrigation for rice and wheat consumes approximately 25 billion cubic metres of water annually.
Facts for Prelims
- FactPunjab's groundwater extraction rate: 152% (2025-26 Assessment)
- Fact72% of Punjab's groundwater blocks are in the 'red zone'
- FactAnnual irrigation consumption for rice and wheat in Punjab: 25 billion cubic metres
- Scheme‘Pani Bachao, Paisa Kamao’ scheme: Aimed at reducing groundwater extraction
Prelims practice question
What is the annual irrigation water consumption for rice and wheat in Punjab?
- (a)50 billion cubic metres
- (b)40 billion cubic metres
- (c)25 billion cubic metres
- (d)15 billion cubic metres
Show answer
Answer: (c) 25 billion cubic metres — The note states that irrigation for rice and wheat consumes approximately 25 billion cubic metres of water annually.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how the interplay between MSP-led procurement and subsidized electricity contributes to the depletion of groundwater in Punjab's agrarian economy.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Market distortion: Assured procurement and electricity subsidies incentivizing water-intensive crop patterns
- Equity gap: Wealthier farmers accessing deeper aquifers exacerbating rural wealth disparity
- Policy inertia: Low enrollment in 'Pani Bachao, Paisa Kamao' due to lack of structural incentives
Keywords: Groundwater depletion · Agrarian distress · Subsidized electricity · Water-intensive crops · Resource equity
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