Intensive Groundwater Exploitation in the Punjab – an Evaluation of Resource and Quality Trends

From:
Department for International Development
Published
1 January 2014
Country:
India
Document Type:
Evaluation Report
Theme:
Climate and Environment
Authors:
MacDonald, A.M., Lapworth, D.J., Rao, M.S., Gopal, K.

Abstract

This report outlines preliminary findings from a case study focussed on understanding the response of groundwater resources to sustained abstraction for irrigation in Punjab State. The aim of the case study is to examine the response of groundwater in a representative Doab to current pressures from abstraction and pollution and forecast likely future trajectories. Specific objectives were:

  • To collate historical water level responses to abstraction across the catchment
  • To collate new evidence on recharge processes, groundwater quality, groundwater residence times, and connectivity of the layered aquifer systems and surface water by repeated sampling of shallow and deep piezometers using a suite of environmental tracers
  • To obtain new high frequency data on water level variations in shallow and deep piezometers for one hydrological year

Citation

Lapworth, D.J.; Gopal, K.; Rao, M.S.; MacDonald, A.M. Intensive Groundwater Exploitation in the Punjab – an Evaluation of Resource and Quality Trends. British Geological Survey, Nottingham, UK (2014) 45 pp. [British Geological Survey Open Report, OR/14/068.]

Intensive Groundwater Exploitation in the Punjab – an Evaluation of Resource and Quality Trends

Published 1 January 2014
Contents