Panjab Waters: Levels Low, Toxicity High

In 2024, the water levels in Panjab’s major reservoirs have significantly decreased compared to 2023. The Bhakra reservoir’s current level is 1,600 feet, down from 1,655 last year. The Ranjit Sagar reservoir has dropped to 1,618 feet from 1,720. The Pong Dam’s water level is at 1,315 feet from 1,375. Over the past two months, despite all four hydroelectric units at Ranjit Sagar operating, the inflow is less than the outflow. Panjab has received less than half of its normal monsoon rainfall this July, leading to a surge in electricity demand, exceeding 15K MW daily. Even well water is decreasing, indicating a sharp dip in the water table. Of the 176 monitored wells in Panjab, 115 (65%) have registered a fall in water level, 61 wells (34%) have registered a rise in water level. The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) monitored study shows the water table in the state is depleting at an annual average of 51 cm. Data on Panjab was shared by Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti (Water Resources) Raj Bhushan Choudhary in reply to a question by Rajya Sabha (Upper House) member from Panjab, Raghav Chadha, during the ongoing Monsoon session of Parliament. Choudhary said no impact assessment study data was available regarding the effect of falling water table on paddy cultivation and farmers in the Malwa region of Panjab. According to the minister, groundwater samples showed dangerous concentrations of contaminants like nitrate, iron, arsenic, selenium, chromium, manganese, nickel, cadmium, lead, and uranium, all exceeding permissible limits set by the Bureau of Indian Standards. Their presence poses severe health risks (SDW Vol 2 Issue 30, Story 7).