An assessment of sustainability of agriculture and water resources in the state of Haryana

Abstract

Overexploitation of groundwater resources for agricultural purpose has caused serious groundwater depletion in the majority of states in north−western India. In states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi and Western Uttar Pradesh, the depletion of groundwater resources has lowered the groundwater level, increased the cost of pumping and has raised questions about the sustainability of groundwater resources. In the present study, an effort has been made to develop composite water sustainability index (CWSI) for the state of Haryana to quantify the status of sustainability of water resources in the state. Seventeen indicators crucial for the sustainability of agriculture and water resources were identified for the analysis. The CWSI for the state of Haryana was calculated as 0.534, with the district−wise value varying from a minimum of 0.444 in Panipat to a maximum of 0.681 in Panchkula district. The reason for such low to moderate water sustainability in the state of Haryana was attributed to improper cropping system and overexploitation of groundwater resources.