Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
AAP Punjab Media In-Charge Baltej Pannu on Monday said the latest groundwater assessment has brought a ray of hope for Punjab, as government data indicates that the state has started reversing a crisis that had been worsening for decades.
Addressing a press conference, Pannu said the improvement was the result of the Bhagwant Mann-led government's sustained efforts to strengthen canal infrastructure, maximize the use of canal water, and reduce dependence on groundwater. He said previous governments often spoke about protecting Punjab’s water resources, but the latest data now provides a clear picture of what has actually been achieved.
Pannu stated that the government focused on planning and implementation rather than slogans, ensuring that Punjab utilized a larger share of canal water for irrigation. According to him, canal water usage has risen from around 21 percent in 2022 to nearly 80–82 percent today.
He claimed that the government has operationalized 14,100 canals, restored more than 400 kilometres of closed canals, and lined over 1,000 kilometres of canal networks. In addition, recharge points have been developed to help replenish groundwater reserves.
Citing the latest assessment, Pannu said Punjab’s groundwater extraction level has dropped from 163.80 percent in 2021-22 to 152.22 percent in 2025-26, reflecting an improvement of 11.58 percentage points over four years. Annual groundwater extraction has also decreased from about 28.01 billion cubic metres to 26.32 billion cubic metres.
He further highlighted that 95 of Punjab’s 153 dark-zone blocks have shown improvement, while the number of critical blocks has reduced from 10 to six. Four blocks—Arniwala in Fazilka, Makhu in Ferozepur, Hajipur in Hoshiarpur, and Narot Jaimal Singh in Pathankot—have moved into the safe category.
Pannu said annual groundwater recharge now stands at 19.14 billion cubic metres, including significant contributions from rainfall and canal water. Canal-water recharge alone has increased from 4.5 billion cubic metres last year to 5.5 billion cubic metres this year.
While acknowledging that Punjab still faces a serious groundwater challenge, Pannu said the latest figures show that the state is moving in the right direction. He asserted that the Mann government has focused on delivering practical solutions rather than merely discussing the crisis.
Calling water conservation crucial for future generations, Pannu said the latest data offers hope that Punjab can secure its water resources if current efforts continue. He added that the government's results-oriented approach is also visible in sectors such as road safety, education infrastructure, and public healthcare.
