Water in short supply, make own arrangement: Industrial houses told

70 per cent of the water resources in the Nalagarh area have already been used up and barely 30 per cent were left for posterity which was worrisome, said Mukesh Agnihotri, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Jal Shakti Department(JSD) and Transport, today.He said big industrial houses who have availed 10 to 15 connections for exploring ground water should make their own arrangement and efforts should be made to replenish water sources. Expressing concern at the drastic reduction in the level of water, he said almost all natural resources have dried up and there was an urgent need to augment water supply in the industrial belt. “It is ironical that the locals are bereft of adequate drinking water while some people have made a bargain by selling water,” he stated, addressing a gathering at Thana village in Baddi today after inaugurating water supply schemes of Rs 12.50 crore.

Agnihotri directed the JSD officials to ensure piped water to all households. “Channelisation of khuds should have been undertaken years ago in this industrial belt. Since people are now living in these areas, the khuds can not be channelised anymore,” he remarked.

The Deputy CM came out in support of Doon MLA, Ramkumar Chaudhary, who was targeted by the Opposition and said his father Lajja Ram, a former MLA, had been instrumental in the development of Baddi. Acceding to the demand of Ramkumar Chaudhary, Doon MLA, Agnihotri announced the construction of a modern bus stand at Baddi, besides JSD Rest House.

He directed the officials to prepare an irrigation scheme for Bughar Kanaita and the adjoining areas and to immediately resolve the water woes of Bhatoli Khurd. Hardeep Bawa MLA Nalagarh was also present on the occasion.