Central team reviews progress of water conservation projects under Jal Shakti Abhiyan-Catch the rain -

– Central Nodal Officer takes stock of steps taken by Ludhiana administration

Ludhiana, 25 July 2024 : A central team on Thursday visited Ludhiana to review the progress of initiatives under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan-catch the rain.

Accompanied by Additional Deputy Commissioner S. Anmol Singh Dhaliwal, Scientist C & Technical officer Miss Gargi Walia, Central Nodal Officer Sh. Devesh Gupta, IRS had a detailed review meeting with the concerned departments. Gupta emphasized the need for concerted efforts by all departments to improve the depleting groundwater table. He called for more projects to be undertaken before the onset of monsoon, so that significant improvements can be seen.

Central team visited prominent projects such as Jal Shakti Kendras, rainwater harvesting systems, ponds, drip irrigation systems, and afforestation drives.

Following the meeting, Central team visited Jal Shakti Kendra (Dugri) and inspected rainwater harvesting systems at various locations including Talwandi Kalan, Aitiana, and Dhaul Khurd, as well as the forest plantation at village Mohie. The Central Nodal officer also asked concerned departments to conduct more IEC activities to raise awareness about water conservation and harvesting among the public.

The Central Nodal Officer stressed the need for regular periodic reviews to ensure the successful time-bound implementation of the district water conservation plan.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Anmol Singh Dhaliwal informed the central team about projects such as pond rejuvenation, rainwater harvesting systems, and plantation projects. He mentioned that 26 nurseries have been developed in Ludhiana, with 375 ponds rejuvenated, 27 recharge pits constructed, and nearly five lakh saplings planted. Additionally, 86 works of renovation of traditional water bodies and 52 works of reuse and recharge structures are on-going in Ludhiana.

Dhaliwal also stated that Ludhiana plans to plant 19 lakh saplings this monsoon, with every department carrying out the plantation on a war-footing level.