Chandigarh-Punjab Water Resources Minister, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal, on Thursday, addressed the critical issue of canal pollution during the session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, providing comprehensive details about the department's ongoing efforts to combat environmental challenges affecting the state's canal systems.
Expressing deep concern over the widespread problem of garbage dumping while answering the query of the MLA Naresh Puri, Water Resources Department Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said that people are indiscriminately disposing of waste not just on canal banks but directly into canal waters. This issue is particularly pronounced in urban areas and certain rural regions, posing a significant threat to water quality, especially given that canal water serves both irrigation and drinking purposes.
The Cabinet Minister informed that in a proactive approach to address this environmental challenge, the Water Resources Department has conducted a thorough assessment and identified 492 pollution points across the state. Notably, 444 of these points have already been successfully removed, with the remaining 48 currently being addressed through a comprehensive strategy.
The Cabinet minister detailed a comprehensive strategy to address canal pollution, while stressing for a multi-pronged approach to tackle the environmental challenge. The measures include implementing strict legal actions, such as imposing fines under Section 70 of Northern India Canal and Drainage Act and filing FIRs against offenders under BNS section 279. He said that to ensure accountability, necessary disciplinary action is recommended against erring government officials such as Executive Officers in urban areas and BDPO in Rural areas.
He said that progress is reviewed on monthly basis with the Deputy Commissioners at the level of Chief Secretary and intimation is given to Punjab Pollution control board of all such points with the request to take further necessary action simultaneously. He said that after Department of Water resources issued NOC to install wire mesh at the banks of Sidwan canal passing through city reaches of Ludhiana city, MC Ludhiana has executed the work of barricading. thereby stopping people from dumping garbage into/along the canal and restrict the access to people entering into canal. Similarly, the Department will issue more NOCs at all other locations across the State where such measures need to be taken. The Department is also denying permission of ramps inside the canals to individuals as they eventually become access point for dumping garbage and some time may put life of people in danger, he added.
While addressing a specific query about the Sardulgarh constituency of MLA Gurpreet Singh Banawali, Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal provided detailed information about the Bhakra Main Branch canal, confirming its proper functioning and good condition across the 16.51-kilometer stretch.
The Cabinet Minister said that the Bhakra Main Branch canal passes through the Sardulgarh constituency with an approximate length of 16.51 kilometers. In this reach, the canal is running properly according to its capacity and is in good condition, with no risk to the villages in the Sardulgarh constituency.
He also informed that the operation and maintenance of the Bhakra Main Branch canal are not under the jurisdiction of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). The canal passes through the states of Haryana and Punjab at different locations, with Water Resources Departments of both states undertaking maintenance works as required within their respective jurisdictions. The expenditure for these maintenance works is borne by states according to their allocated share.