The document summarizes the ecological crisis facing the state of Punjab in India. Key issues include severe water contamination and shortage, with over-exploitation of groundwater rendering much of it unsuitable for irrigation or drinking. High usage of pesticides and fertilizers has led to widespread health impacts like cancer and reproductive issues. Wetlands have been largely destroyed, biodiversity loss is high, and agricultural debt is impacting many farmers. The state now faces the risk of desertification if urgent action is not taken to address unsustainable farming practices and water management.

1. Ecological Crisis in Punjab Umendra Dutt Kheti Virasat Mission VATAVARAN PANCHAYAT Jaitu, Faridkot, Punjab, India

13. School going children taking water from canal – A scene of Mansa district

31. Minimum Crude incidence of cancer per 100,000 population 82.5 59.6 Chandigarh 32.1 17.2 Muktsar 32.3 19.8 Faridkot 33.6 33.5 Patiala 40.9 27.4 Rupnagar 43.2 28.4 Bhatinda Female Male District

35. INSECTICIDES RESIDUE IN DIFERENT FOOD AND FEED COMMODITIES IN Punjab during 1976-1996 18.5 NIL 100.0 86.0 DDT HCH/ BHC 54 Infant formula 35.0 32.0 100.0 100.0 DDT HCH/ BHC 228 ANIMAL FEED 71.0 NIL 100.0 100.0 DDT HCH/ BHC 283 Butter 41.0 40.0 97.7 100.0 DDT HCH/ BHC 1110 Milk NIL NIL 38.3 43.7 DDT HCH /BHC 189 Fruits 15.8 1.9 87.4 67.6 DDT HCH/ BHC 1088 Cereals ABOVE TOLERANCE LIMITS (%) CONTAMINATED (%) INSECTICIDES DETECTED ANALYSED Commodities

36. INSECTICIDES RESIDUE IN DIFERENT FOOD AND FEED COMMODITIES IN Punjab 1976-1996 NIL NIL 75.0 31.0 DDT LINDANE /HCH 16 BUTTER 10.0 NIL NIL 22.5 77.5 38.5 DDT HCH/ BHC MALATHION 31 ANIMAL FEED NIL 53.3 2.2 53.2 DDT HCH/ BHC 92 MILK 18.0 71.0 ENDOSULFAN,QUINALPHOS CHLOFPHYRISPHOS,MALATHION, PARATHION,MONOCROTOPHOS 147 VEGETABLES 11.0 85.0 PHOSPHAMIDON QUINALPHOS 27 FRUITS 9.0 97.0 HCH/ BHC 99 RICE ABOVE TOLERANCE LIMITS (%) CONTAMINATED (%) INSECTICIDES (S) DETECTED ANALYSED Commodities