GNDU Backs Arniala Dam: Boon or Bane for Punjab?
Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) has thrown its weight behind the controversial Arniala Dam project in Hoshiarpur, Punjab. A recently submitted Social Impact Assessment (SIA) report paints a rosy picture of the dam’s potential benefits.
The report, submitted on July 31, 2025, argues the dam will significantly improve irrigation facilities across the region. This, in turn, is expected to bolster food security and stimulate socio-economic growth.
GNDU’s assessment emphasizes the project’s crucial role in groundwater conservation, a pressing issue in the state. The university highlights the potential for enhanced agricultural productivity and improved livelihoods.
However, the report’s findings are likely to spark debate. Environmental concerns and potential displacement of communities remain key sticking points for many. The coming weeks will see intense scrutiny of GNDU’s assessment, with its implications for Punjab’s water resources and rural development under the microscope. The state government’s response will be crucial in determining the project’s future.
