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Hindustan Times
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Punjab: New canal minor to irrigate 65k acres in 55 villages: Goyal
Minister for water resources Barinder Kumar Goyal on Sunday inaugurated new canal minor no 3, which will connect 55 villages in the Lehra and Shutrana constituencies to canal water. 'Completed at a cost of ₹50 crores, the initiative addresses a five-decade-long demand of the residents who had been deprived of consistent canal water supply,' the minister said. According to the minister, the project, which is over 85km long, was completed in a record six months, with the work starting in December 2024. 'The water-carrying capacity of the minor has increased by 1.5 times, and it will benefit 65,000 acres of land in 55 villages of Lehra and Shutrana constituencies,' he said. Goyal alleged that the BJP-led central government is attempting to infringe upon Punjab's water rights. 'Punjab has no conflict with Haryana or any other state, but any forceful attempt to seize Punjab's water resources would not be tolerated,' the minister said. The minister clarified that Punjab will provide water to Haryana as per its share, but 'it will not compromise on its rights.'
Hindustan Times
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Punjab ministers visit Nangal dam, join protest against release of water
Punjab cabinet ministers Barinder Kumar Goyal, Harbhajan Singh ETO, Lal Chand Kataruchak and Laljit Singh Bhullar, along with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs and leaders, joined the ongoing day-and-night vigil at Nangal Dam on Tuesday to protest the release of Punjab's water to other states. The protest targets the BJP-led central and state governments and the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), demanding an immediate halt to the diversion of Punjab's water. Chief minister Bhagwant Mann and cabinet minister Harjot Bains had earlier visited the dam thrice between May 1 and May 11, urging BBMB to stop the release of surplus water to Haryana. Addressing the gathering, water resources and land conservation minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said that Haryana would not receive any additional water until May 21, when the 'apointee season' ends. 'Punjab is already releasing 4,000 cusecs of water beyond its allocated share as a humanitarian gesture. However, Haryana has failed to use this water judiciously despite repeated warnings. The state had also accepted a request to provide water for security forces stationed in Rajasthan, exemplifying Punjabi values and generosity,' he added. Power and public works minister Harbhajan Singh ETO outlined Punjab's ₹4,500 crore plan to bring canal water to farmlands. This move aims to reduce farmers' dependence on over 15 lakh tubewells, cut power consumption and mitigate groundwater depletion—an issue worsened by water usage by other states. Food and civil supplies minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said that the protests at Nangal Dam and at Lohand Khad gate near Kiratpur Sahib would continue. 'Punjab has already exceeded its fair share of water contributions and will not surrender further rights,' he said. Cabinet minister Laljit Singh Bhullar highlighted Punjab's role in feeding the nation while enduring the environmental and economic costs of excessive groundwater use. He praised farmers for embracing crop diversification and urged for greater reliance on canal irrigation to boost agricultural productivity. The ministers commended volunteers for their dedication and pledged to continue the vigil to protect Punjab's water resources.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
In Lehragaga, a dirty drain to be transformed into public promenade
Patiala:In a unique initiative, a ditch drain, once notorious for filth, is being transformed into a public promenade in Lehragaga city. "The work is nearing completion and will soon be dedicated to the public," said local MLA and Punjab minister Barinder Kumar Goyal while speaking to the media during his inspection of the construction work."The drain passed through the heart of Lehragaga, and people living along its banks faced pitiable conditions. In fact, many houses were built over the drain itself, and were in a dilapidated state," said the minister."Due to the surrounding filth, there was a constant risk of accidents. There was a long-standing demand from the public for attention to be given to this issue. Now, two pipes, each 4.5 feet wide, have been installed in the drain to ensure smooth water flow. Initially, this was a Rs 15 crore project, but due to departmental integrity, it was tendered at Rs 12 crore, resulting in a saving of Rs 3 crore for the state's people,"Goyal added."The project began about a month ago and is progressing rapidly toward completion. The public is very pleased with the progress. Even during recent rains, there were no water stagnation issues," he said."The 3-km-long and 32-foot-wide drain is being paved with 15-foot-wide interlocking tiles. Grills will be installed along the sides, along with modern grass and plants. The area, once avoided by everyone, is now being developed into a scenic walkway. To maintain it, three employees will be appointed," said the also assured that rainwater would no longer be allowed to accumulate in slum areas and will be directed into the drain. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
Hindustan Times
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
BBMB row, repeal of Dam Safety Act: A hardening stance behind Punjab's firm resolution
When the Punjab government moved a resolution in the state assembly on Monday for the immediate repeal of the Dam Safety Act, 2021, the demand not only came more than three years after the legislation was enacted, but it also marked a shift in the state's position. While several farmer unions in Punjab opposed the Act from the outset, arguing that it infringed upon the state's rights over water resources, the state government complied with and implemented the measures mandated by the legislation, despite having some reservations. The state, however, has now hardened its stance to seek repeal of the Act after a row erupted with the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), which regulates water distribution from Bhakra, Nangal, Pong and Ranjit Sagar dams, over sharing of water from the Bhakra with Haryana, said people in the know of the matter. The resolution, which said that the 2021 Act empowers the central government to directly control the rivers and dams of states and undermines the sovereign rights of states like Punjab over their water, was unanimously passed by all MLAs present in the state assembly, cutting across party lines. Water resources minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said the state government was opposed to the Act from day one and kept conveying its concerns. 'The central government tried to take control of our dams. When the situation became unbearable due to the actions of BBMB, we had to do something and brought this resolution for repeal of this Act among other things,' he said. State set up dam safety panels under DSA The Dam Safety Act, which came into force on December 30, 2021, mandated that states set up a State Committee on Dam Safety (SCDS) and a State Dam Safety Organisation (SDSO) within 180 days. The state's water resources department established SCDS on May 13, 2022, under Section 11 of the Act with chief engineer, SDSO, as chairperson and chief engineers, canal, ground water, dams and design hydel projects, as ex-officio members for monitoring and supervision of dam safety related activities, assessing probability of dam failure, supervising the functioning of SDSO, etc. Chief conservator of soils; chief engineer, hydel projects of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited; chief engineer, project-cum-arbitration, HP Power Corporation Limited, and one director of Central Water Commission were among the members, according to a notification issued by principal secretary, water resources. Another notification was issued on June 13, 2022, to constitute an eight-member State Dam Safety Organisation under an officer of the rank of chief engineer, designated as its technical head, for inspection of dams, safety review, risk assessment, emergency preparedness, enforcement of safety regulations. One of the officers quoted above said the two panels were constituted in accordance with provisions of the legislation, and the officials were also attending meetings, workshops and following up on dam safety guidelines. 'However, there have been concerns. Water is a state subject as per Entry 17 of State List in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution and dam safety has been traditionally managed by states. There is also Section 56, which allows the central government to unilaterally prescribe rules without mandatory with states,' said the official. The Union Jal Shakti ministry is of view that the legislation has been enacted to ensure dam safety by providing an institutional mechanism for prevention and mitigation of dam failure disasters through proper surveillance, operation and maintenance. 'The central ministry has been saying that the Act does not encroach upon the power of states and adequate representation has been provided to state governments at all levels and there are Constitutional provisions which give Parliament the power to legislate on dam safety,' said another official.
New Indian Express
07-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Potash reserves found, AAP government says Centre discriminating on exploration
CHANDIGARH: Potash reserves have been discovered by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) in Fazilka and Muktsar districts of Punjab but are not likely to be harnessed for the next few years, prompting the AAP-led state government to accuse the Centre of adopting a discriminatory treatment regarding exploration of the mineral. According to sources, the central agency's assessment says it may not be economically viable to mine potash as the mineral has a low concentration of 7% to 10%. 'Till date potash mining is not done in India and no agency has a robust technical expertise in it. GSI studies say the potash reserves in both districts of Punjab are 400 to 800 metres below the surface. So drilling so deep to extract minerals and separate potash, which has an estimated concentration of up to 10 per cent, may not be economical viable,' said an official on condition of anonymity. Punjab Mining and Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said the state is facing 'unjustifiable' treatment regarding the development of its potash deposits, a mineral that could bring tremendous economic and agricultural benefits to both the state and the nation.
