MP Sahney demands urgent Groundwater Revival Package for Punjab
Babushahi Network
New Delhi, February 3, 2026: Dr. Vikramjit Singh Sahney, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, expressed serious concern over the alarming depletion of groundwater in Punjab. As per the official reply to his question in Rajya Sabga by the Ministry of Jal Shakti stated that as per Central Ground Water Board data, while about 57% of monitored wells showed a marginal rise, a worrying over 42% of wells across Punjab have recorded a fall in groundwater levels.
Dr. Sahney stated that it is pertaining to note that the survey of these wells was done post monsoon of 2025 when Punjab have witnessed the largest floods in its modern history still then it is alarming to note that 9% of wells across the State have groundwater deeper than 40 metres, specially in agriculturally crucial districts such as Sangrur (100%), Barnala (67%), Patiala (44%), Moga and Malerkotla showing extreme stress. Even in Urban districts Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Bathinda, a majority of wells now fall in the 10–40 metre depth category, underscoring the unsustainable exploitation of groundwater.
Dr. Sahney said it is deeply distressing that despite such stark evidence of groundwater stress and despite repeated requests by the State Government, Punjab was never included under the Atal Bhujal Yojana, a flagship programme meant precisely for water-stressed regions.
Dr. Sahney urged the Union Government to urgently announce a Punjab-specific groundwater revival and crop-diversification package, warning that continued policy neglect could push the State towards an irreversible water crisis.