Central team inspects waterlogged Punjab areas

An eight-member central team comprising members from the Planning Commission,Central Water Board and drainage experts on Monday visited the water-logged villages in Muktsar,where a large swath of land has turned barren.

An eight-member central team comprising members from the Planning Commission,Central Water Board and drainage experts on Monday visited the water-logged villages in Muktsar,where a large swath of land has turned barren.

The team led,by Dr Mihir Shah,member,Planning Commission of India,visited the three worst-affected villages of Sikhwala,Tapa Khera and Kutianwali inPunjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badals constituency.

Shah said that the panels main focus is to make the sub-surface area of the ground free from waterlogging problems so that the area where roots of crops spread remains fertile.

The team is expected to submit its report to the Central government by November 30 of this year. Shah said that a comprehensive report will be prepared and will be implemented during the current five years plan period.

In Muktsar,out of the total 2.64 lakh hectare land,about 84,000 hectares face waterlogging problem.

Punjab Irrigation Minister Janmeja Singh Sekhon,who accompanied the team,said that the state government is spending Rs 100 crore annually for strengthening the river and canal bank,but the amount is inadequate and appealed to the Centre for financial assistance.

Thousands of acres of land in the Malwa belt are facing water logging problem. The team also visited Bhatinda,Fazilka and Ferozepur where several farmers are affected.

Story continues below this ad

Earlier,Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh during his recent visit to Lambis water logged areas had given assurances to the villagers that the Centre will look into the issue.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram