Punjab Water Resources Minister directs officials to take stern action against water polluters

In the backdrop of recent deaths of aqua creatures in the Beas, Punjab Water Resources Minister Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria on Saturday directed his department officials to take stern action against river and canal water polluters.

The Minister vowed to tighten the noose around water polluters and promised an early visit to the rivers to review the ground situation. He warned the officials against any laxity in keeping the waters pollution-free.

Sarkaria said in certain parts of the state the ground water was not fit for human consumption and the residents had to use river and canal waters for their daily needs. In such a situation nobody can be allowed to pollute the rivers and canals. "Throwing waste and untreated water into the rivers is not acceptable," he added.

Because of this human-made water pollution , a number of people were suffering from hepatitis B and other contaminated water-borne diseases, he added.

Directing officials to monitor the situation and check the river water pollution, the Minister ordered strict penal action against the water polluters so that the others do not dare to repeat the mistake.

Urging the people to join with hands the to State Government save the rivers from pollution, the Minister asked the officials to be vigilant to control the pollution of rivers.