Water Resources of Punjab and Canal Network in Punjab

Punjab’s vast Indo-Gangetic alluvial plain is a rich repository of groundwater resources. However, in the southwestern parts of the state, the thickness of freshwater aquifers is significantly lower than in other areas, with depths of fresh water-bearing aquifers in some places being less than 10 meters.

Water Resources of Punjab

The perennial rivers of Punjab, including the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi, are part of the Indus River system and derive their primary water supply from Himalayan glaciers. The Ghaggar is a seasonal river. These rivers are harnessed using dams at various levels, and the stored water is distributed for irrigation through an extensive network of canals. Additionally, several seasonal streams like Choes (Barsaati Naaley), Nadies, and Khads flow through Punjab and eventually join these rivers.

The Kandi region, which relies on rainfall to meet its water requirements, is gradually being brought under the control of the Kandi Canal and low dam systems. More than 50% of this region has already been covered by these networks.

Canal Network in Punjab

Punjab’s drainage network, spanning approximately 8,000 kilometres, comprises various Nallahs, Nadis, and Choes. Notable among these are the White Bein (East Bein), Kali Bein (West Bein), Siswan Nadi, Patiala Nadi, Swan Nadi, Sakki Nallah, Kiran Nallah, Buddha Nallah, Jalalabad Drain, Chand Bhan Drain, and Jhabowali Choe. The Canal Network of Punjab is a 14,500 Km long network. Some of the important canals are:

Dams in Punjab

Groundwater Resources in Punjab

In Punjab, surface water resources are efficiently managed through a well-structured canal irrigation system. However, their contribution remains limited and insufficient to meet the growing irrigation demand. As a result, excessive dependence on groundwater has emerged, with extraction rates surpassing the annual recharge capacity.

The state faces a dual challenge concerning groundwater levels. In the southwestern regions, where water extraction is limited due to saline or brackish water, the water table is rising. Conversely, in the northwestern, central, southern, and southeastern parts of the state, where groundwater is fresh and suitable for irrigation, the water table is steadily declining.

Sangrur District records the steepest annual decline in water levels, followed by Barnala and Patiala. In contrast, Hoshiarpur experiences the highest annual rise, followed by Muktsar.

According to the Central Groundwater Board Report of 2023, the Total Annual Ground Water Recharge of the State has been assessed as 18.84 bcm and the Annual Extractable Ground Water Resource as 16.98 bcm. The Annual Ground Water Extraction is 27.8 bcm and Stage of Ground Water Extraction is 163.76 %. Out of a total of 153 blocks, 117 blocks have been categorized as ‘Over-exploited’, 03 blocks as ‘Critical’, 13 blocks as ‘Semi Critical’ and 20 blocks as ‘Safe’

Source: Dynamic Ground Water Resources, 2023 Punjab, Central Groundwater Board

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