By Dr. Jyotsna Kaushal, Expert in Water sciences
Water constitutes about 71% of the Earth’s surface. The majority of this water, approximately 97%, is found in the oceans as saltwater. The remaining 3% is freshwater, of which about 68.7% is locked in glaciers and ice caps, 30.1% is groundwater, and only 0.3% is found in surface water bodies like rivers and lakes. This highlights the limited availability of accessible freshwater for human and ecological needs.Punjab, historically known as the “Land of Five Rivers” (Panj-ab, meaning five waters), is renowned for its fertile plains and abundant water resources.
The rivers — Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Chenab, and Jhelum — have been lifelines for agriculture and civilization in the region. However, after 1947, SATLUJ & BEAS rivers are in Punjab, INDIA. From last many years, water bodies in Punjab are facing severe pollution due to industrial waste, untreated sewage, and excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture. Contaminated water poses grave threats to human health, aquatic life, and the environment. Many areas are witnessing a rise in waterborne diseases and groundwater depletion. The situation demands immediate action, such as implementing strict waste management practices, promoting organic farming, and raising public awareness about conserving and protecting water resources. Safeguarding Punjab’s waters is vital for sustaining its legacy and ensuring the well-being of future generations.
It is important to discuss the state of water resources in Punjab and the pressing need for remediation of various contaminants affecting water quality. I believe it is essential to provided a comprehensive overview of the water situation in Punjab, a region often referred to as the agricultural heartland of India. The alarming rate at which groundwater levels have been depleting due to overextraction for irrigation and industrial use is worth the concern.
This overreliance on groundwater has led to severe ecological imbalances, with aquifers being drained faster than they can be replenished. Additionally, surface water bodies in the region are increasingly polluted, further compounding the issue of water scarcity. Hence, we should stress that the water crisis in Punjab is not just an environmental issue but a socio-economic challenge that impacts agricultural productivity, public health, and the overall quality of life.
I would also like to bring the discussion on the table about the contamination of water sources with harmful pollutants, including heavy metals, dyes, pesticides, and emerging contaminants. Heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, and mercury have infiltrated Punjab’s water systems, primarily through industrial effluents and the overuse of chemical fertilizers.
These metals pose severe health risks, including neurological disorders, organ damage, and developmental issues in children. Dyes released from textile industries have not only discoloured water bodies but also introduced toxic chemicals that affect aquatic life and human health. Pesticides, widely used in Punjab’s agriculture, have leached into groundwater, making it unsafe for drinking and irrigation. Emerging contaminants, such as pharmaceutical residues and personal care products, were identified as growing threats to water safety, as they are difficult to detect and even harder to remove using conventional treatment methods.
Therefore, there is a need of series of remediation strategies aimed at tackling these challenges. Additionally, the importance of promoting sustainable agricultural practices, such as integrated pest management and organic farming, to reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides and fertilizers. There was also the highlight of the potential of phytoremediation—the use of plants to absorb and detoxify pollutants—as an innovative and eco-friendly solution to address water contamination.Public awareness and community involvement were identified as critical components of addressing the water crisis.
Conducting comprehensive educational campaigns to inform citizens about the importance of water conservation and the dangers of water pollution. I would also like to urge the policymakers to enforce stricter regulations on industrial discharge and agricultural runoff while incentivizing industries to adopt cleaner production techniques. Furthermore, more collaborative efforts between government agencies, research institutions, and local communities to develop and implement sustainable water management practices.
