ABSTRACT

The article argues that the recently introduced model for the direct delivery of an energy subsidy to well-irrigators in Indian Punjab aimed at incentivizing them to conserve electricity and groundwater is on a weak conceptual footing. Energy quota based on connected load will only lead to the resource-rich appropriating the subsidy benefits. Reduced use of well water to irrigate paddy will not arrest depletion as a large proportion of that water returns to the aquifer. The article suggests some institutional alternatives for bringing about long-term changes in the groundwater balance of Punjab based on sound water-use hydrology and the use of technology and market forces.

摘要

这篇文章认为，最近推出的直接向印度旁遮普邦的灌溉者提供能源补贴的模式旨在激励他们节约电力和地下水，但其概念基础薄弱。基于连接负荷的能源配额只会导致资源丰富的人获得补贴收益。减少井水灌溉稻田的使用不会阻止枯竭，因为大部分水会返回含水层。文章基于健全的用水水文以及技术和市场力量的使用，提出了一些制度替代方案，以实现旁遮普邦地下水平衡的长期变化。