Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh, March 27-
Punjab Water Resources Minister 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.
