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

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. »Ê¹ÚÌåÓýapp 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.]

Updates to this page

Published 1 January 2014