Badal orders action against canal encroachments

Chandigarh, Dec 11 (UNI) Taking serious note of reports appearing in some sections of the media regarding encroachments on canals, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today ordered a survey of all such encroachments.

Stating this here, the Chief Minister's media advisor Harcharan Bains said Mr Badal had directed the Irrigation Department to complete the survey and identify the encroachments within 15 days and thereafter, initiate legal action to remove them.

Giving further details, Mr Bains said the Department had been asked to ensure timely rejuvenation and rehabilitation of all major canal systems in the state so that available surface water was utilised optimally.

He added that the Punjab Irrigation Infrastructure Programme, launched by the Chief Minister on December 8 at Bathinda, aims to remedy the situation by rehabilitating and rejuvenating the dilapidated canal system in the state.

The programme further intends to restore the old system and enhance its carrying capacity to ensure optimal supply of irrigation waters till the tail ends. This initiative would also ensure maximum utilisation of surface water and reduce the ever increasing stress on ground water of the state, Mr Bains said.

UNI