Punjab Vidhan Sabha passes resolution to conserve groundwater

The Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Tuesday unanimously passed a resolution recommending the government to take effective steps to stem the declining water table.

The resolution on conserving groundwater was moved by Nabha MLA Gurdev Singh Dev Mann, which led to a nearly three-hour debate in the House.

Congress MLA Rana Gurjit Singh, who in the previous Congress government had prepared a report on how to conserve water and prevent desertification of the state, said it was sad that a 2021 report prepared by an Assembly panel he headed was gathering dust.

“It was painstakingly prepared. At least some of the suggestions can be implemented by the AAP government,” he said. To this, Minister Aman Arora suggested that an expert group be set up to revisit the recommendations. Water Resources Minister Barinder Goyal, said the Centre should help Punjab in conserving groundwater. “Around Rs 17,000 crore will be needed for laying new water channels to carry water from canals. This will help save water,” he said.

Minister’s water-saving effort

Goyal said that to conserve water, he uses only half a bucket of water for bathing every day. “I use soap once a week, and on that day, I use three quarters of a bucket of water,” he said.