The Fact News Service
Ludhiana, November 18
The Department of Soil and Water Engineering, PAU, Ludhiana, organized a brainstorming session on ‘Declining groundwater table in Punjab state and its remedial measures’ to mark the Diamond Jubilee Year of the University on 17-11-2022, here today.
On the occasion, Dr. J. P Singh, Head, Department of Soil and Water Engineering in his opening remarks, welcomed the dignitaries of the day; Former Dean, College of Agricultural Engineering & Technology, PAU- Dr S D Khepar, Dr S K Sondhi, retired Professor and Head, Department of Soil and Water Engineering, renowned Soil Scientist Dr GS Hira, faculty & officers from PAU and state departments.
The session was chaired by Dr. S D Khepar, and co-chaired by Dr P P S Pannu Additional Director of Research (NR & PHM), PAU.
Rakesh Rana, a Scientist from the Central Groundwater Board Chandigarh gave a presentation on the current status of the groundwater budget of the Punjab state, while emphasizing on the remedial measures of declining groundwater.
He highlighted the over-exploitation of groundwater in 117 blocks and how the multi-tapping aquifers lead to a probe of water pollution due to heavy metals.
Dr G. S. Hira suggested postponement of paddy transplant dates and demarcation of areas in South Western districts where the revival of cotton crop should be started. He also advised oilseed and pulses cultivation on a part of the state’s farmland.
Dr P.P. S. Pannu highlighted the increased number of summer crops in the months of April and May that has further exacerbated the groundwater depletion in the state.
He pointed towards recharging the runoff water along highways through injection wells as an effective measure to promote water saving.
Dr Rakesh Sharda, Dr. O. P. Choudhary, Dr A. S. Brar and Dr. K. B. Singh discussed how the adoption of alternate wetting and drying of paddy crop and use of micro irrigation in the orchards can be a step in the direction to conserve water.
Dr.Brijendra Pateriya, Director, PRSC, spoke on proper planning & implementation of the technologies for solving the crises, Dr. S. K. Sondhi called for strict control over free electricity and promotion of policies like ‘Pani Bachao Paisa Kamao’. Er. Lupinder from the Soil Water Conservation Department shed light on the Government Policies regarding underground pipeline system and use of waste water by the Municipal Corporation for irrigation purposes.
The Chairperson of the session, Dr. S. D. Khepar, concluded the session while giving his views on manipulation of date of rice transplanting, short duration crop varieties, rain water harvesting, canal water utilization, recharging groundwater, reducing evapo-transpiration on farm, water management using furrow and drip irrigation etc.
Among the other dignitaries, Dr. G. S. Manes, ADR (FM), Dr. G. S. Mangat, ADR (Crop Improvement), Dr. R. K. Singh, Project Coordinator, CIPHET, Ludhiana and Dr. J K Chawala(Retired Professor) graced the occasion. In the end, Dr.Samapreet Kaur proposed the vote of thanks.
