Punjab Minister reviews pond cleaning work at Patiala villages

Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh today conducted a site visit to inspect the ongoing pond cleaning and development work in Baran and Nandpur Kesho villages.

During his visit to Baran, Singh expressed serious concern over the incomplete construction of the pond wall being developed using the Thapar Model near the Gurdwara Sahib. Taking strong note of the irregularities, he directed officials to take action against those responsible.

He instructed the Panchayat Department to submit a detailed report on the expenditure incurred and provide a list of all officials involved in the project, from the Junior Engineer level upwards. He emphasised that every rupee of public funds must be spent transparently and effectively for public benefit and warned of strict action against misuse or negligence.

Inspecting the pond at Baran, the Minister also raised concerns over a previously collapsed wall and the delay in constructing a new concrete structure, noting that such negligence could endanger nearby infrastructure, including the Gurdwara Sahib. He directed that the matter be addressed urgently and with accountability. Additionally, he issued instructions for cleaning the canal running through Baran and the pond in Nawan Baran.

At Nandpur Kesho, he reviewed the cleaning work at two major ponds and announced that the pond near the dispensary would be concretized and developed into a park. Water from this pond would then flow through the adjoining earthen pond to irrigate nearby fields.

He informed that tenders have already been floated, and the work will be completed soon. He also directed the concerned departments to demolish the village’s unsafe water tank and construct a new one.