Delineation of critical regions for mitigation of carbon emissions due to groundwater pumping in central Punjab

Abstract

The expansion of groundwater use has not only resulted in a speedy decline in the groundwater table but also added to the problem of carbon emissions (C-emissions) in Punjab. Estimates of C-emissions from groundwater pumping for irrigation in central Punjab indicated that during the last 15 years (1998–2013), the groundwater levels had fallen by 8.89 m; pump set density (per 1000 ha) increased by 45%; groundwater use increased by 140 Mm3; energy requirements increased by 4845.1 MkWh (90%), all this resulted into an increase in C-emissions by 984.1 kiloton (30%). The relationship between carbon emissions and groundwater depth showed that for each meter fall of groundwater level in central Punjab, C emissions will increase by 2.67 g/m³. The present level of groundwater exploitation in Bhawanigarh, Dharmkot, Dhuri, Malerkotla I, Malerkotla II, Nabha, Nakodar, Sangrur, Samana, Sherpur and Sunam is considered as threat to the environment and should be targeted to reduce C-emissions.