Punjab's Water Crisis: How the Food Bowl of India Faces Environmental and Health Catastrophe

New Delhi:

Raghav Chadha, Aam Aadmi Party representative from Punjab, addressed Parliament on Wednesday, highlighting a severe water crisis affecting the region. "Guru Nanak Dev Ji taught us that wind is the Guru, water is the father, and the earth is the mother. I come from Punjab, known as the land of five rivers. The very name 'Punjab' combines 'Panj' (five) and 'Aab' (water, rivers). Ironically, this state with five rivers now confronts critical challenges regarding both water quality and quantity," stated Chadha.

His remarks came during discussion of the "Statutory Resolution" presented by Union Minister Bhupender Yadav under Constitution Article 252(1), concerning adoption of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024 in Manipur, which has been under President's Rule since February 13, 2025.

Chadha emphasized Punjab's historical contribution to national food security: "When India needed food, Punjab initiated the Green Revolution. When hunger threatened the nation, Punjab stepped forward. When India required a hero, Punjab fulfilled that role. Today, that same hero bears a tremendous burden. Punjab's farmers adopted chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and water-intensive crops like rice to feed the country. As a consequence, Punjab's water became contaminated and groundwater levels dramatically declined. This isn't farmers' fault—it's the price paid for national service."

He identified toxic water as the foremost concern, citing the Government of India's 2025 Groundwater Quality Report: "Punjab suffers from the highest uranium contamination in the country. Uranium isn't merely a metal but a radioactive heavy metal causing kidney damage, cancer, bone deterioration, and generational disabilities. Post-monsoon testing revealed 62.5% of groundwater samples exceeded safety parameters. Other dangerous metals like arsenic, lead, cadmium, and chromium surpass WHO limits, particularly in the Malwa region—Bhatinda, Mansa, Faridkot, Sangrur, Sri Mukhsar Sahib, and Fazilka."

Highlighting the human impact, Chadha noted: "Train No. 14703 between Bhatinda and Bikaner is locally known as the 'Cancer Train' because it transports cancer patients seeking treatment, not pilgrims."

Groundwater depletion represents the second major issue: "Producing one kilogram of rice requires 5,000 liters of water. Though rice isn't traditional Punjabi cuisine, farmers grow paddy to supply national needs. Consequently, 113 of 117 blocks face over-exploitation. The average water table has plummeted from 20 feet in 1970 to 500 feet today. NASA's GRACE satellite identifies Punjab as experiencing the world's most rapid groundwater depletion."

The third challenge involves river pollution: "Rivers including the Sutlej, Beas, and Ghaggar suffer contamination from industrial waste, chemicals, pharmaceutical byproducts, and untreated sewage. Central Pollution Control Board data indicates 76% of Punjab's river streams rank among India's most polluted waterways."

Chadha appealed for federal assistance: "Punjab now seeks central government support. This isn't charity but a matter of justice. After sustaining national food security for five decades, Punjab deserves national support in return."

He concluded with specific recommendations: "Establish the Punjab Water Restoration Mission, implement continuous digital monitoring of industrial discharges, deploy modern ecological engineering for river revival, ensure universal safe drinking water access, and conduct independent international audits."