Rs 8.95 cr spent on cleaning of 884 village ponds in Ludhiana district: DDPO

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, August 3

To preserve water resources in villages and alleviate rural distress amid lockdown, the Department of Rural Development and Panchayats, Punjab, claimed to have spent Rs 8.95 crore under a special drive to clean all 884 village ponds in the district.

While providing information, the DDPO, Ludhiana, Peeyush Chander, said on the directions of the state government, 884 village ponds were cleaned and Rs 8,94,62,311 was spent on the same.

He said the project had provided a succour to unemployed rural folk by ensuring 1,14,663 man-days under the MGNREGS, especially during these difficult times.

In a press release, he said ahead of the monsoon season, all dewatering and desilting works had been completed well in time so that these ponds to be readied to contain the rainwater which would help in recharging the depleting groundwater level. He said besides groundwater recharging, these ponds with freshwater could be utilised for fisheries job, agricultural purposes, and adhering to various guidelines of the National Green Tribunal.

The DDPO said a large number of unemployed people were benefited from job opportunities through the project, which was looking for work amid the pandemic restrictions.

Chander said 884 village ponds were identified for the dewatering and desilting works, adding that Rs 2,08,45,700 was spent on dewatering of ponds, Rs 4,91,98,250 on desilting of ponds and Rs 1,94,18,361 on the construction of water recharging wells as per the Thapar Model at 26 ponds.

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.