The News Freedom
Chandigarh, December 5
During the maiden meetings with officials of the water resources and mining and geology departments, Punjab Cabinet Minister Chetan Singh Jauramajra today directed to enhance the monitoring system, preserve properties from illegal occupation and prevent excessive depletion of groundwater.
While chairing the meetings in the committee room of Markfed Bhawan, Chetan Singh Jauramajra emphasised the need for increased transparency in development projects. He reiterated a zero-tolerance policy towards lackadaisical attitude and substandard quality in work and equipment purchases.
During the meeting with officials of the water resources department, the cabinet minister emphasized the need for increased transparency and efficiency in their work. He urged officials to actively address illegal possessions on departmental properties, aiming to boost department revenue. The minister directed the officials to submit a detailed report on departmental properties within a month, saying that no person who encroached on the government properties would be spared.
The Water Resources Minister instructed officials to eliminate illegal encroachments on water courses, directing to prepare a proposal to reclaim these lands during the vacant periods in the Rabi season.
The Cabinet Minister strongly emphasised the need to address requests regarding the halting of water in rivulets and other water courses and the installation of siphons at necessary locations.
Jauramajra directed to furnish the list of pending cases within a week and stressed a timely resolution, asking that reasons for the delay in the case to be included in the report. He also instructed to carry out development works in a timely manner in the future. Highlighting the importance of an efficient monitoring system within the department, the Water Resources Minister asked for the strengthening the monitoring cell to further enhance the department’s performance, ensuring quality and transparency.
The Cabinet Minister said that officials should ensure maximum use of canal water to prevent excessive depletion of groundwater. He stressed the need to extend canal water access to every farm and area to reduce reliance on tube-wells for irrigation in Punjab.
The Minister instructed officials to actively engage in fieldwork and ensure seamless support for farmers. He said that no farmer should face any problem while getting the work done by the Water Resources Department besides ensuring the full use of the outlet of canal water for the farmers.
During the meeting, Secretary Krishan Kumar provided an overview of the department’s structure and operations, assuring full commitment to translating the Minister’s directives into tangible actions.