Ground water with traces of uranium, Fazilka border villages to get surface water for the first time after independence.

Some of the villages such as Teja Ruhela, Dona Nanka, Mahatma Nagar, Chak Ruhela, etc., often face the problem of getting drinking water.

According to the public health department, Fazilka, the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) conducts regular water sampling to check the amount of uranium and other heavy metals.

Dharminder Singh, executive engineer of the Public Health and Water Works Department, said, “From 2010-2011 onwards, these villages are getting water through RO installed by the state government. The groundwater is treated for drinking purposes. Water is extracted by tubewell bored up to 150 feet where heavy metals are found. Sampling is done regularly. The RO-treated water is safe for drinking, but the surface water option will be given to the consumers.”

Sources said in the untreated water in Fazilka, Arniwala and Jalalabad blocks the value of uranium was 34 parts per billion (ppb) against the permissible 30 ppb.

Looking at the presence of heavy metals in the groundwater, the project was planned in March 2022 for 205 villages but took off in March 2023.

As per the information from the Fazilka district administration, the Gang canal, which branches off the Sutlej river in the Harrike Pattan area of Ferozepur and flows down to Ganganagar district of Rajasthan, will be providing 15cubic per second (cusecs) water daily, which will be supplied to villages after treatment by the Punjab Water Works Department. The project provides for about 260 km long of pipeline, of which 118 km has been completed.

Some of the villages such as Teja Ruhela, Dona Nanka, Mahatma Nagar, Chak Ruhela, etc., often face the problem of getting drinking water. (Photo: Raakhi Jagga)

Fazilka Deputy Commissioner Dr Senu Kapila Duggal said, “The surface water-based mega project is coming up in Ghatian Wali Bodla village. We are trying to finish the project by March 2025 to provide clean drinking water free from chemicals.”

Reviewing the project, Dr Duggal said, “Once completed, people will get relief from several water-borne ailments peculiar to this region due to the high prevalence of some chemicals. As many as 2,35,114 residents in 205 villages of Jalalabad and Fazilka will get clean water from the project.”

Early grey hair, discoloured teeth, mental retardation, and skin ailments have been reported in many villagers in past decades. The Public Health Department, however, says such cases are sporadic in the area, though they don’t deny the risk involved in using the groundwater.

However, with the Rajasthan government complaining about the contaminated canal water coming from Punjab, carrying industrial discharge, in such condition how safe will be the canal water for consumption is a concern. The Public Health Department, however, says the water would be treated before supplying to the village, besides regular testing indicated that the Gang canal water is fit for drinking.

The area predominantly grows paddy and wheat using tube-wells, discharging groundwater with heavy metals, raising a question over the quality of crops.

Distribution of villages in blocks:

Total 205 villages covered under surface water project Ghattianwali Bodla Division Fazilka: