Contamination threat to groundwater, PAU worried

Ludhiana, July 23

Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) is launching a campaign against the drainage of excess water from paddy fields into soil which ultimately leads to contamination of water. Incidents of farmers overcoming the problem of water stagnation in their paddy fields by draining water into the soil with the help of borewell have come to light. It is a harmful practice as it leads to contamination of water.

An YouTube video has already been shared by the agriculture university on rooftop water harvesting, which is the correct method for groundwater recharge. In addition, a series of programmes with farmers and civil staff of the Municipal Corporation have been planned for the coming week. For query regarding rainwater harvesting or drainage of paddy field water, one can contact PAU helpline number 82880-57707.

Dr Rajan Aggarwal, senior research engineer and chief scientist, All India Coordinated Research Project on Irrigation Water Management, said many cases of farmers draining excess rainwater from paddy fields through borewells had come to light, which would ultimately lead to contamination of water.

“There are numerous chemicals, pesticide, fertilisers and animal excreta in water that is in paddy fields and will ultimately reach groundwater if water from paddy fields is drained into the soil with the help of borewell. Farmers are not aware of the consequences of the practice and they need to be made aware of it,” he said.

He said draining water inside the soil would have larger consequences as it would not only contaminate groundwater of the particular area but also travel to other places. — TNS