PSFFWC Commissions Comprehensive Study on Punjab’s Water Resources; Major Scientific Collaboration Announced
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, June 20, 2025 –
In a significant step toward addressing Punjab’s critical water challenges, the Punjab State Farmers' and Farm Workers' Commission (PSFFWC) has commissioned a detailed study on the availability and management of water resources in the state. The study was conducted by the National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), Roorkee, and its findings were submitted to a Legislative Committee chaired by MLA Gurjit Singh Rana, constituted by the Punjab Vidhan Sabha.
The Committee appreciated the report’s findings and recommended an expanded, micro-level study using advanced techniques such as carbon dating, isotope analysis, and seepage mapping to gain deeper insights into the state's groundwater dynamics.
In this context, the PSFFWC convened a high-level meeting today, chaired by Commission Chairman Prof. Dr. Sukhpal Singh. The meeting featured leading scientists and water experts including Dr. Pushpendra Pal Singh (Dean, CAPS, IIT Ropar), Dr. Sarbjot Kaur (radioactive tools expert, IIT Ropar), Dr. Harshad Kulkarni and Dr. Ranjeet K. Jha (IIT Mandi), and Dr. Gopal Krishan (Scientist-E, NIH Roorkee). The session was coordinated by Dr. Ranjodh S. Bains, Administrative Officer-cum-Secretary of the Commission.
Experts outlined urgent interventions needed to safeguard Punjab’s water future, including:
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Advanced isotopic and carbon dating studies to assess groundwater depletion
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Heliborne surveys to trace ancient paleo-channels and enhance aquifer recharge
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Strategic plans to address waterlogging and salinity in South-West Punjab
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Feasibility studies for a large reservoir on the Ujh River to benefit Central Punjab
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Scientific aquifer mapping to define sustainable extraction levels
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Introduction of heavy metal-absorbing crops and salt-tolerant bamboo species
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Revival of traditional water bodies and abandoned wells for groundwater recharge
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Climate resilience strategies for agriculture to withstand floods and extreme weather
Dr. R.S. Bains emphasized that the meeting’s recommendations will form the core of a comprehensive state-wide water conservation mission to be implemented in partnership with leading research institutions.
A key outcome of the meeting was an in-principle agreement by participating institutes—IIT Ropar, IIT Mandi, and NIH Roorkee—to collaborate with the Commission. A consortium Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed immediately to initiate a 15-point, state-level project aimed at groundwater conservation, sustainable usage, and pollution prevention.
Dr. Sukhpal Singh expressed optimism that this joint initiative, combining cutting-edge scientific research with policy implementation, will position Punjab among the most advanced regions globally in water resource management. The project will blend immediate field interventions with long-term strategies to secure water for agriculture and ensure safe drinking water across the state.