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Punjab's 117 Blocks Face Severe Groundwater Crisis, Minister Unveils Credit Roadmap

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema has declared that 117 out of 151 blocks in the state are facing a severe groundwater crisis, classified as dark zones due to over-extraction. He unveiled NABARD's State Focus Paper, projecting a massive priority sector credit potential of over Rs 3.08 lakh crore for Punjab's development. The credit roadmap aims to support agriculture, MSMEs, renewable energy, and social infrastructure while aligning with state priorities. The government is promoting canal irrigation and crop diversification to address the water crisis and ensure a stable business climate.

Key Points: Punjab Groundwater Crisis: 117 Blocks Declared Dark Zones

  • 117 blocks face severe groundwater crisis
  • NABARD credit potential of Rs 3.08 lakh crore
  • Focus on farm credit and crop diversification
  • State promoting canal irrigation to restore water levels
2 min read

117 blocks face severe groundwater crisis: Punjab Minister

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema reveals severe groundwater depletion in 117 blocks, unveiling NABARD's Rs 3.08 lakh crore credit plan for state development.

"Today, 117 out of 151 blocks in Punjab have been declared dark zones due to over-extraction of groundwater. - Harpal Cheema"

Chandigarh, Feb 20

Saying 117 blocks in Punjab face a severe groundwater crisis, state Finance Minister Harpal Cheema on Friday unveiled NABARD's State Focus Paper for 2026-27 at the State Credit Seminar organised by the NABARD in Mohali, near here.

He outlined a credit roadmap for the state's growth across agriculture, MSMEs, infrastructure, renewable energy, and social sectors.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Cheema said, "NABARD has played a significant role in strengthening Punjab's economy and accelerating development across key sectors. Through various lending and credit schemes, it has supported growth in agriculture, education, and social sectors in the state."

The Finance Minister said that the State Focus Paper projects a total priority sector credit potential of Rs 3,08,66,614 lakh for Punjab.

"The projections cover farm credit, agriculture infrastructure, allied and ancillary activities, micro, small and medium enterprises, export credit, education, housing, social infrastructure, renewable energy, and other sectors. This comprehensive roadmap will help align institutional credit with the state's developmental priorities," he said.

Highlighting the state's historic contribution to national food security, Minister Cheema said, "Punjab has played a pivotal role in making the country self-reliant in food production. However, this contribution has come at a cost, particularly in the form of depletion of groundwater resources. Today, 117 out of 151 blocks in Punjab have been declared dark zones due to over-extraction of groundwater."

Referring to initiatives of the Bhagwant Mann government, minister Cheema said, "Our government is actively promoting canal irrigation and constructing small water channels, known as 'khalas', to farmers' fields to restore groundwater levels. Crop diversification is essential for conserving water resources, and we urge NABARD to extend greater support towards such initiatives."

Reaffirming the state government's commitment to ensuring a trader- and investor-friendly environment, Minister Cheema said, "A meeting of top police officials, including district heads, was recently held with the Punjab State Traders' Commission to send a strong message to anti-social elements and to ensure a secure and stable business climate in the state."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good that the government is finally acknowledging the crisis. But ₹3 lakh crore credit potential? Where is the plan for sustainable water management? We need more than just credit, we need strict implementation of water conservation laws.
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Aman W
Promoting canal irrigation is the right step. My grandfather used to say the old canal system was our lifeline. We need to revive it. Hope NABARD supports this properly. Jai Kisan!
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Sarah B
As someone working in renewable energy, I'm glad to see it mentioned in the credit roadmap. Solar pumps for irrigation could be a game-changer for Punjab's water and energy crisis. A dual solution.
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Karthik V
117 dark zones! That's alarming. The article talks about credit, but what about educating farmers on water-saving techniques like drip irrigation? Financial help is good, but awareness is equally important.
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Nikhil C
Respectfully, I feel the focus is too much on large credit figures. We've had many papers and seminars. The real test is on-ground change. Let's see if the 'khalas' and crop diversification actually happen at scale. Fingers crossed.

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