The scientists from the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in Ludhiana, Punjab have secured a three-year research project from the Indian Space Research Organisation under its sponsored research and development programme, RESPOND. The development marks a significant step towards strengthening India’s groundwater security. Under the project, PAU scientists will monitor the levels of groundwater across the country and examine the impact of climate change on groundwater resources.
The study aims to identify regions vulnerable to groundwater related risks and suggest solution steps. Further, the data from NASA’s Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment twin satellites will be analysed to assess groundwater storages changes. The study will correlate data from aquifers systems to present and future risks based on which scientifically backed recommendations on groundwater extraction will be suggested. Through the integration of satellite data, climate analysis and ground-based observations, the project is expected to help formulate future groundwater management policies.