Sirhind Canal closure may lead to shortage of water

Sukhmeet Bhasin
Tribune News Service
Bathinda, October 16

The city may face a water shortage in this festive season due to the closure of the Sirhind canal. It has been closed to lay a pipeline in the Joganand area. At present, work to install sewerage is on in Model Town, Phase 3 and 4.

The canal has been closed till October 31, but the Water Supply Department has said it has stored water for 15 days. But in some areas where the storage capacity is less, the department will supply water on alternative days.

Growth centre, Mati Dass Nagar, Dabwali Road area and Nachtar Nagar are getting water supply on alternate days. While other areas are still getting the water supply twice in a day, but if water is not used judiciously, the department might start supplying water on an alternative basis in the coming days.

The decision to close the canal in the festival season has not gone down well with residents.

Officials have appealed to residents to cooperate and use water judiciously.

GS Bahia, XEN, Irrigation Department, said, “A sewerage pipeline is to be laid near Joganand village due to which Sirhind Canal has been closed. We are hopeful that the supply will resume within 10 days.”

The scarcity of water may hit festivities in the coming days as the practice of cleaning houses before Diwali will consume more water.

Mayor Balwant Rai Nath has also appealed to city residents to use water judiciously to avoid the scarcity in the coming days.

He also advised residents not to use water for cleaning vehicles. He asked them to cooperate with the administration till October 31.