Chandigarh, January 31: Punjab Water Resources and Soil & Water Conservation Minister Chetan Singh Jauramajra expressed concern over the unaddressed requests of the state government and urged the union government to incorporate Punjab into the Atal Bhujal Yojana.

Highlighting the urgent need for inclusion due to the critical groundwater depletion, he lamented the union government’s lack of attention despite continuous correspondence.

Appeals to  Seechewal to raise the demand with Centre

During a discussion with Rajya Sabha Member Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal at the Punjab Civil Secretariat, Jauramajra emphasized the Water Resources Department’s repeated attempts to draw attention to the issue and urged Sant Seechewal to advocate strongly for Punjab’s inclusion.

Criticizing the union government for excluding Punjab from the Atal Bhujal Scheme, designed to assist states facing severe groundwater issues, Jauramajra noted the state’s alarming groundwater situation and its contribution to the national food stock.

Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal, a member of the Parliamentary Committee on Water Resources, had objected to Punjab’s exclusion and advocated for its inclusion.

Addressing concerns about road construction on the Dhusi Bundh of the Sutlej River, Jauramajra instructed officials to coordinate with the Punjab Mandi Board for prompt implementation to fortify the embankment and prevent floods.

He also directed department officials to ensure river cleanliness for effective rainwater drainage before the rains and accelerate cleaning works to mitigate potential damage.

Prominent attendees included Principal Secretary Water Resources Mr. Krishan Kumar, Chief Engineer (Drainage) Mr. Hardeep Singh Mendiratta, Chief Engineer (Canals) Mr. Sher Singh, and other officials.