Punjab CM expresses concern over falling groundwater, pollution

Chandigarh: Underlining the need for providing a sustainable environment to the future generations, Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday gave a clarion call for launching a mass movement to preserve water and environment in the state.
At the state-level function to mark World Environment Day in Mohali, Mann expressed concern over depletion of ground water table and environment pollution in the state. He said immediate steps were required to save water and check environmental pollution. He said this cannot be done by the government alone and people’s participation was required.
On the fast depletion of water table, Mann said almost all blocks in the state were in the dark zone. He said it had happened due to reckless pumping of water in the fields, a trend that needed to be checked.
He said the state government was taking steps for optimum use of canal water to save groundwater. He said at present, Punjab was using 34% of its canal water and this would be enhanced in coming days. He said if Punjab could enhance canal water yse to 60% in the first phase, nearly four lakh tubewells out of total 14 lakh could be stopped.
The CM also cited the example of Telangana for water conservation and said it was a revolutionary model aimed at recharging water table.
On the harmful practice of stubble burning, Mann said while it was prevalent for paddy, farmers had also started doing it for wheat residue. On industrial pollution, Mann said units that were boring industrial waste into the ground, instead of treating it, did not realise they would harm future generations. “We have taken steps in this direction with PAU’s help,” he said.