CAG Report Highlights Groundwater Overuse and Contaminated Rural Water Supply in Punjab

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report highlights Punjab's heavy reliance on groundwater, with 18 of 23 districts classified as over-exploited and significant contamination in rural water supplies. Despite Jal Jeevan Mission guidelines prioritizing safe potable water, several rural habitations received contaminated water, including arsenic and fluoride. While affected habitations decreased from 1,634 in 2020 to over 1,000 in 2024, some still receive unsafe water. The Punjab government acknowledges ongoing mitigation efforts but has yet to complete corrective measures.