Waste water irrigation, Duhre village shows the way

Jalandhar, July 21

Duhre village has witnessed a remarkable economic transformation as farmers now receive waste water for irrigation purposes through a newly installed pipeline through a Rs 12.48 lakh project by the Soil and Conservation Department.

18 farmers benefited

• Water is being provided for irrigation to 18 farmers through 1,150-metre-long underground pipeline, covering 60 acre
• The waste water management project cost Rs 12.48 lakh
• The treated water is supplied from a pond through a motor run on solar power

Hailing the efforts made by the department and people participation, Deputy Commissioner Dr Himanshu Aggarwal said as the project’s execution had cost Rs 12.48 lakh, the initiative was providing water for irrigation to 18 farmers through a 1,150-metre-long underground pipeline, covering 60 acre of land. The treated water was supplied from a pond through solar power.

Dr Aggarwal lauded the initiative, calling it a benchmark in rural transformation and promising more such projects in the district to save environment and groundwater.

Kulwant Singh, a Duhre village resident, described the pond’s previous condition as dire, with no outlet for water. He expressed gratitude to the Soil and Water Conservation Department for the timely execution of the project, which had significantly benefited the village by using waste water for irrigation.

Manjit Singh, a farmer, thanked the government for the scheme, highlighting the reduction in production costs. The provision of pond water via a solar-powered motor had eliminated their reliance on submersible pumps for groundwater.

Farmers Mandeep Singh echoed the sentiment, noting the project’s impact on his farming practices. He emphasised the reduction in electricity consumption and the conservation of precious groundwater. The solar-powered motor, operating 7-8 hours daily, provided ample water for his fields.

Sub Divisional Soil Conservation Officer, Jalandhar, Lupinder Kumar, said the department said this water was fit during periodic testing from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, on various parameters required for irrigation. The tests included various aspects, including, pH, E-coli, F coli, and other heavy metals.

“The transformation of the pond has had a profound impact on Duhre village, enhancing both environmental and social well-being. Through meticulous planning and execution, the project addressed key issues such as water quality, biodiversity and accessibility,” he added.