Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday said the state government had ensured the recharge of 21 lakh cubic metres of water into Punjab’s groundwater reserves through its surface irrigation project. He added that water table had risen by 2-4 metres across 57 wells (tubewells) in the state.
Addressing a gathering at Seechewal village in Shahkot, Mann lauded the Seechewal model and complimented environmentalist and Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Singh Seechewal for transforming what was once a region of “tibbas” (sand dunes) into a “verdant jungle”.
Mann was accompanied by AAP Punjab affairs in charge Manish Sisodia and Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan.
The CM said, “We have taken 21,000 cusecs of water to the fields through the surface water irrigation scheme. Groundwater is depleting while surface water has become polluted. But through recharge points in canals and drains, 21 lakh cubic metres of water has been recharged in the state. In at least 57 wells, water levels have risen by 2-4 metres. We urge people to use water from rivulets and drains as it is also mineral-rich.”
Praising Seechewal’s efforts, the CM said, “Thirty-six years ago, this place was full of tibbas (dunes), and people cultivated groundnuts and green chickpeas here. Today, it has turned into a lush green forest. Through the efforts of one environmentalist, this movement has grown enormously. Thousands of saplings from the nursery here, taken by people across Punjab, are now spreading flowers, fruits and shade.”
Invoking Sikh teachings, Mann referred to Guru Nanak’s message of “Pawan guru, pani pita, mata dharat mahat” (Air is the guru, water the father and earth the great mother), saying only a few people were truly working to preserve the environment in line with the Gurus’ vision, and Seechewal was among them.
Mann also said the Rajya Sabha MP was currently working to clean the Buddha Dariya so that its waters could become pure again. He said the government was promptly addressing demands raised by the Sant Samaj and environmentalists regarding better roads, protection of dams, cleaner canals and groundwater conservation.
He added that several sarpanches had also met him with demands related to sports stadiums, Astro turfs and roads, which the government would address.
