Mapping the disappearing natural wetlands of Punjab Karanjot Kaur Brar Reader in Geography Panjab University, Chandigarh, India Email: karanjot_brar@yahoo.com Mehar Singh Map Curator cum Teacher Panjab University, Chandigarh Wetlands form a vital constituent of the ecosystem. They replenish the water levels during periods of scarcity and sponge up excess water after heavy rainfall as part of the multifarious services provided by them in maintaining the health of the ecosystem. Punjab had several natural wetlands that existed in the floodplains and the upland plains. These have undergone major changes in the recent past including depletion, degradation and obliteration in response to developments in rural and urban areas. This study intends to map the natural wetlands as they existed before the onslaught of development began in post-independence India. This will be done from vintage topographical sheets published by the Survey of India mostly dating from the early part of the twentieth century. The change will be studied by interpreting remotely sensed data, field observations and conversations with the local residents. This study observes that there was complete disappearance of several natural wetlands and many are on the verge of extinction in conjunction with the emergence of many human-made wetlands. Most changes are related to the development of agriculture and its infrastructure and associated urban development. The impact of the vanishing wetlands is to be seen in the depleted groundwater resources of the state. The necessity of preserving the wetlands for maintenance of the ecological balance is emphasized.