Seechewal lays stone of Rs 20L pond rejuvenation project

Rajya Sabha Member and renowned environmentalist Balbir Singh Seechewal along with Punjab Local Government Minister Dr Ravjot Singh laid the foundation stone for the rejuvenation of a pond at Kandali Narangpur village in Tanda tehsil of Hoshiarpur district. The project, worth Rs 20 lakh, aims to improve the water availability and ecology in the area.

Seechewal, who is famous for his work on water conservation and ecological restoration, highlighted that the rejuvenation would be completed within six months. The project will be executed with Rs 10 lakh from his discretionary funds and the remaining amount from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).

“Once completed, the pond will not only beautify the village but also provide treated water for irrigation purposes, benefiting local farmers,” said Seechewal. The water will be channelled through underground pipes to farmers, managed by the Soil Conservation Department.

The rejuvenation will follow the “Seechewal Model,” a proven system for treating water and cleaning ponds. The model has already been implemented in 250 villages across the state, with plans to extend it to more villages.

Punjab Minister Dr Ravjot Singh expressed his gratitude for Seechewal’s efforts, noting that the state government had recently earmarked Rs 14.524 crore in the state Budget for agriculture and allied sectors, marking a 5% increase compared to last year. An additional Rs 137 crore had been allocated to promote horticulture and organic farming, particularly in districts like Hoshiarpur.

Dr Ravjot also shared that the state government plans to install 40 deep tube wells across multiple districts, including Hoshiarpur, Rupnagar and Pathankot, as part of a Rs 85 crore initiative. This move will cover 7,877 hectares of agricultural land, ensuring a steady supply of irrigation water.

In response to a request from the villagers, Dr Ravjot announced a grant of Rs 3 lakh for installing solar lights in the area.

MLA Jasbir Singh Raja Gill also revealed that over Rs 15 lakh was available with the village panchayat for development purposes, including street construction, sewage systems and drinking water infrastructure. This project is a step towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for Kandali Narangpur, with enhanced agricultural practices and a cleaner, greener environment.

Punjab