2. Water Resource Strategies and Action Plan for Conservation and Optimal Utilization

Rapid increase in population has resulted in increased water needs for meeting the domestic, agricultural, industrial and power generation demands in Punjab. Out of 138 blocks, 84 blocks of the State fall under Dark category where ground water exploitation is more than 85% of the annual recharge, 16 blocks under Grey category where ground water exploitation is between 65%and 85% and 38 blocks under White category in which level of exploitation is less than 65%. Water table is declining in nearly 80% area of the State. In order to tackle the problems of depletion of water levels, water logging & salinity and degradation of surface & ground water quality, a status paper on Water Resources Strategies and Action Plan for “Conservation and Optimal Utilization” has been prepared in association with Irrigation Department, Punjab and has been circulated to all the concerned departments for suggestions/comments. Short & long terms measures for water conservation are being identified for implementation in association with the concerned departments.

Contact person: DR. K.P. Singh, kpsingh@pscst.com