Spatio-temporal patterns of groundwater level changes in southwestern Indian Punjab

Abstract

The study aimed to assess the dynamic behavior of groundwater levels in the southwestern districts of Indian Punjab, focusing on the spatial and temporal distribution of waterlogged and overexploited areas before and after the monsoon season. The study utilized groundwater level data spanning 48 years (1973 -2020), using GIS to map groundwater levels and visualize fluctuations throughout the study area. The findings revealed significant variations in groundwater levels within the southwestern district of Punjab during different seasons. The maximum waterlogged areas were found to be 97,350 ha (1973, Faridkot), 56,080 ha (1981, Ferozepur), 21,730 ha (1991, Sri Muktsar Sahib), 52,790 ha (2000, Sri Muktsar Sahib), 6,760 ha (2010, Sri Muktsar Sahib), and 2,910 ha (2020, Fazilka). However, the waterlogged and potential waterlogging area observed in Fazilka district covered about one-third (32.52%) of the district during 2020. The study identified that 45% of the study area faced the risk of overexploitation, 46% was considered safe, and 9% was either waterlogged or at risk of waterlogging. Over the 48 years, the study demonstrated the dynamic nature of waterlogged areas in the southwestern districts of Punjab, including Ferozepur to Fazilka via Faridkot and Sri Muktsar Sahib districts.