DC orders survey of Losada drainage channel

Tribune News Service

Advertisement

Bathinda, March 20

A group of representatives from different villages under the banner of the BKU Dakonda on Friday met the Deputy Commissioner, Bathinda, over the problems being encountered by them due to the overflowing of the Losada rainwater drainage channel at Doomwali village on the Punjab-Haryana border and demanded a permanent solution. On Thursday, Bathinda Tribune had carried a report that farmers from some villages had blocked a national highway in protest.

Baldev Singh, president of BKU Dakonda, said, “While temporary solutions were put in place to take out water from the overflowing drain for irrigation of wheat crop but we have asked the administration that a permanent solution to the problem should be sought.”

“We have suggested to the Deputy Commissioner two possible solutions. There is another drainage channel that comes from Badal village and we have suggested that underground pipes can be laid so that the excess water from the Lasoda drainage channel can be diverted to that drain (Badal village). We have also suggested to him that a water treatment plant should be set up in the area and the excess water from the drain can be treated and utilised for various purposes, including irrigation. The DC has given us assurance that a possible solution to our problem would be worked out soon,” added Singh.

During the meeting, the villagers said five submersible motors had been pressed into service to draw out the excess water but considering the gravity of the situation, the administration must ensure that at least 15 water pumps are pressed into service. Residents also raised concern over the deteriorating condition of three bridges due to the overflowing drainage channel and demanded that their repair must be carried out on priority.

Deputy Commissioner B Srinivasan said, “We have put in place water pumps to draw out the excess water from the drainage channel and the situation is under control now. I have also directed officials of the Drainage Department to conduct a survey of the drainage overflow site and prepare a report after which a decision would be taken.”