High Court strict on declining groundwater level in Punjab, seeks response from Central Water Board

March 18, 2026

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has taken a strong stand on the issue of 24-hour free electricity for tubewells in Punjab and the resulting excessive groundwater extraction. The High Court has ordered the Central Ground Water Board to file its response in the matter within 4 weeks.

The Chief Justice’s bench said that excessive use of groundwater in Punjab will pose a major threat to future generations. Extracting groundwater twice the prescribed capacity in the state can be fatal. The Court also noted that the Central Ground Water Board should respond in the serious matter.

Recognizing the seriousness of the issue raised in a public interest litigation, the High Court directed the Central Water Board to file a detailed response on the matter and explain its suggestions to stop excessive groundwater extraction in Punjab.

The court clarified that it is necessary to understand the scientific and technical aspects of the issue so that a concrete solution can be found.