Mapping the Future of Water: IIT Mandi’s Groundbreaking Study on the Beas Basin
Water is life, and in the Beas Basin of Himachal Pradesh, scientists are working to secure it for generations to come. Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi have carried out a landmark study that paints a clear picture of where groundwater is abundant and where scarcity could become a pressing challenge in the years ahead.
Using advanced tools like satellite-based remote sensing and GIS technology, the team divided the entire Beas Basin into distinct groundwater zones. Their detailed map is more than just science—it’s a lifeline for policymakers, communities, and farmers who depend on this precious resource.
Where Water Flows Freely
The western Beas Basin shines as the most groundwater-rich region. Districts like Kangra, Dehradun, Gopipur, Jwalamukhi, Jawali, Nurpur, Pong Dam, lower Dharamshala, and the Una border fall into high and very high groundwater zones. These areas hold strong promise for sustaining water needs well into the future.
A Balancing Act in the Center
In the central Beas Basin—covering Mandi district, Balh Valley, Sundernagar, and Jogindernagar—groundwater availability is moderate. While not in immediate danger, these regions require careful management to avoid slipping into crisis.
Trouble Brewing in the Hills
The eastern and mountainous stretches tell a different story. Places like Kullu, Manali, Banjar, Ani, Upper Mandi, and the Himalayan belt near Rohtang Pass fall under low and very low groundwater zones. Without timely action, water scarcity here could intensify, threatening both livelihoods and ecosystems.
Science Behind the Map
Led by faculty members Derix P. Shukla and Deepak Swami, along with researcher Utsav Rajput, the study analyzed a decade of rainfall data (2012–2021) alongside factors like land use, slope, geology, soil texture, and drainage density. The result: a comprehensive groundwater availability map for 2022, published in Environmental Earth Sciences.
Why It Matters
What makes this research remarkable is its simplicity and accessibility. No new machinery was needed—just smart use of satellite data, GIS analysis, and future projections. The method is low-cost, fast, and scalable, making it a powerful tool for governments and communities across India’s river basins.
The message is clear: with informed planning and conservation, water security in the Beas Basin—and beyond—can be safeguarded for the future.
