Questions raised over groundwater consumption; need for transparent investigation of industrial activities and protection of water resources
By: Iqbal Singh Ahluwalia
Special Correspondent
Goindwal Sahib, Tarn Taran District
M. 99143-43253
Punjab was once known as the land of rivers and water. Rivers, canals, ponds and groundwater have supported the region’s agriculture, lifestyle and economy for centuries. However, excessive exploitation of groundwater over the past few decades has emerged as a serious challenge for Punjab. At such a time, the questions being raised over water consumption in the historic and religiously significant town of Goindwal Sahib cannot be ignored.
Goindwal Sahib is not merely a town; it holds deep significance in Sikh history and religious heritage. Protecting its natural resources is not only an environmental issue but also a collective responsibility. If groundwater resources in an area are already under pressure and activities requiring large quantities of water are taking place, proper monitoring and scientific assessment become extremely important.
Concern Over the ‘Dark Zone’ Needs Serious Attention
The continuously declining groundwater level in several parts of Punjab is a matter of concern. In areas where groundwater conditions are already critical, questions regarding water-intensive industries or projects are natural.
The key issue is not to blame any particular institution or unit, but to establish the facts: How much water is actually being used? Where is it being sourced from? What permissions have been granted? And are the conditions attached to those permissions being followed?
The answers to these questions should be made available on the basis of facts and official records.
Water Belongs to Everyone—It Is a Trust for Future Generations
Groundwater is a natural resource whose importance is often realised only when it begins to decline. A fall of a few feet or metres may not immediately show serious consequences, but over the long term, the impact can be severe.
Irrigation for farmers, drinking water for villages and the daily needs of ordinary people are all connected with groundwater. As the water table falls, deeper tubewells become necessary, increasing electricity consumption and costs, while the overall availability of water may eventually be affected.
Industrial Development Is Necessary, But Not at the Cost of the Environment
Industrial development creates employment, strengthens the local economy and contributes to regional growth. Therefore, opposing every industrial activity is not a solution.
However, development must follow a model in which industries can operate while natural resources remain protected. If an industrial unit requires large quantities of water, alternatives such as water recycling, rainwater harvesting, treatment and reuse should be given priority.
Responsibility of the Government and Administration
The concerned departments should examine all records related to water consumption. If a project is using groundwater, details regarding its approved quantity, actual consumption, source of water and compliance with environmental conditions should be made publicly available in a transparent manner.
Regular scientific monitoring of groundwater levels in the area is also essential. If the water table is declining rapidly, an immediate conservation plan should be prepared.
The Time to Act Is Now
For a historic place like Goindwal Sahib, protecting water is not merely a requirement of the present; it is a responsibility towards future generations. Development, industry and employment are important, but no development can be sustainable without access to clean and adequate water.
Therefore, questions regarding water consumption in the area should be answered not through political statements or allegations, but through data, scientific assessment and official records.
If we learn to value every drop of water today, only then can we protect future generations from a water crisis. For the sacred land of Goindwal Sahib, water conservation is no longer merely an option—it has become a collective responsibility.
KL JIT WALIA
