Estimation of carbon emissions from groundwater pumping in central Punjab

Abstract

During the past decade, the carbon emission patterns due to groundwater pumping in central Punjab have changed enormously, and today the sector is one of the main contributors of C-emissions. This study identifies the critical blocks of central Punjab that should be aimed for reducing the carbon emissions of the groundwater economy. This study is based on the regional scale and highlights various factors that play crucial role in contributing to these emissions. Overlay analysis of the choropleth maps (tube well density, groundwater draft, groundwater depth and C-emissions) showed that SC-III zone was the most critical zone of central Punjab. Blocks Bhawanigarh, Dharmkot, Malerkotla I, Malerkotla II, Sangrur, Sherpur and Sunam were considered as threat to the environment and should be targeted to reduce C-emissions.