A GIS-based study on groundwater level fluctuation and delineation of potential zones

The rising demand for water in Punjab, fueled by swift urban growth, industrial development, and intensive agricultural practices, has resulted in significant groundwater depletion. In the state, more than 97% of cultivable land is irrigated, with groundwater accounting for approximately 70–75% of the total irrigation water supply. The present study analyzes fluctuations in groundwater levels within the S.A.S. Nagar district over a span of 26 years, from 1995 to 2021, utilizing comprehensive water level data. The findings indicate a significant decrease, with groundwater levels plummeting from 3.6 m in 1995 to 30.7 m in 2021, reflecting an average decline of over 1 m annually. The rate of depletion increased significantly after 1998, largely as a result of a broad transition from canal irrigation to tube wells, which offered farmers more convenient access to water. The findings indicate that 32% of the area exhibits high groundwater potential, whereas merely 3% shows low potential. Furthermore, 8% of the area is categorized as having a high flood risk, while 7% is identified as having a high drought risk. Despite the introduction of initiatives like underground pipeline systems and enhanced rice farming techniques, the groundwater table persists in its decline. The results underscore the critical necessity for revised irrigation policies, enhanced water conservation strategies, and greater public engagement to secure the enduring sustainability of groundwater resources.