Can an Incentivized Command-and-Control Approach Improve Groundwater Management? An Analysis of Indian Punjab

The Punjab Preservation of Subsoil Water Act 2009 is a legislative measure introduced to address the critical issue of groundwater depletion in Punjab, India. This research examines the implications of this Act and the rising groundwater scarcity in Punjab. Using qualitative research methods, including GIS mapping, it evaluates the postimplementation impact of the Act on groundwater conservation and water availability and assesses its effectiveness in achieving its objectives. This study reveals that the government’s policies favoring wheat and rice have significantly contributed to the expansion of these crops, resulting in imbalanced agricultural practices. While the overall groundwater development in Punjab decreased from 170% in 2009 to 165% in 2017, a district-wise analysis reveals that the fall in the groundwater exploitation level in seven districts outperforms the rise in the exploitation level in the other thirteen districts of the state, showing overall minor or no improvement. This study proposes a multifaceted approach combining command-and-control measures with self-regulation incentives. It highlights the potential of incentivizing farmers to adopt sustainable practices, diversify crops, and implement water-efficient technologies. This paper also suggests the importance of involving stakeholders and the community in groundwater management, emphasizing the need for participatory approaches to ensure the long-term sustainability of water resources. While this study provides valuable insights, it is essential to acknowledge that its scope is limited to a qualitative assessment, and there may be challenges in generalizing the findings to all regions facing groundwater depletion.