Water level rises by 2-4 metres in Punjab: CM

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said on Thursday that the state government has ensured the recharge of 2.1 million cubic meters of water into Punjab’s groundwater reserves through its surface irrigation project. He said the water level in 57 tubewells across the state has risen by 2-4 meters.

Addressing a gathering in Seechewal village in Shahkot, Mann praised the Seechewal model and commended environmentalist and Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Singh Seechewal for transforming an area that was once a “tibba” (sand dune) into a “lush forest.”

Mann was accompanied by AAP Punjab affairs in-charge Manish Sisodia and Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan. The CM said, “We have delivered 21,000 cusecs of water to the fields through the Surface Water Irrigation Scheme. Groundwater is depleting, while surface water has become polluted. However, 2.1 million cubic meters of water has been recharged in the state through recharge points in canals and drains. The water level in at least 57 wells has risen by 2-4 meters. We urge people to use water from drains and streams as it is also rich in minerals.”

Praising Seechewal’s efforts, the CM said, “Thirty-six years ago, this area was full of dunes (mounds), and people grew peanuts and green gram here. Today, it has transformed into a lush green forest. This movement has grown significantly due to the efforts of an environmentalist. Thousands of plants from the nursery here, taken by people from all over Punjab, are now flowering, bearing fruit, and providing shade.” Referring to Sikh teachings, Mann cited Guru Nanak’s message, “Wind is the Guru, Water is the Father, and Earth is the Mother,” and said that only a few people are truly working to protect the environment in accordance with the Guru’s vision, and Seechewal is one of them.

Mann also said that the Rajya Sabha MP is currently working to clean the Budha Dariya to restore its water. He said that the government is immediately addressing the demands of the Sant Samaj and environmentalists regarding better roads, dam safety, clean canals, and groundwater conservation.

He said that several Sarpanches had also met him with demands for sports stadiums, astro turf, and roads, which the government would fulfill.