Officials instructed to complete work on Western Yamuna Canal before deadline

Irrigation and Water Resources Minister Shruti Choudhary on Tuesday inspected the ongoing strengthening work of the Western Yamuna Canal’s beds and the downstream section of the railway bridge in the city. The project aimed at preventing soil erosion along the Western Yamuna Canal.

The work is being carried out jointly by the Irrigation Department and The Railways. She directed officials to ensure the project was completed before the deadline.

The project, which is being executed jointly by the Railways and the Irrigation Department, has an estimated cost of Rs 4.5 crore. The deadline for completion is May 2. As per the authorities, the water flow in the canal has been temporarily stopped for the work. Choudhary said the state government was committed to safeguarding the interests of both farmers and citizens. She said soil erosion along canals increased the risk of flooding in nearby areas and the government was taking the issue seriously. “We are working towards a permanent solution to the problem. Once the project is completed, it will prevent erosion along the canal banks and significantly reduce the risk of flooding in surrounding areas,” she said.

The minister explained that the canal had suffered erosion near the railway bridge due to heavy water flow and repair work was at present underway. With the demand for water rising during the summer season, she has instructed officials to expedite the work and complete it as soon as possible.

Choudhary highlighted the importance of water conservation, saying that groundwater is a natural resource but its level is depleting at an alarming rate. “It is everyone’s responsibility to use water wisely. The government is making efforts to ensure that the canal water reaches the tail-end users and public cooperation is crucial for this,” she said.

When asked about the political situation in the state, the minister said the presence of a strong Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly was vital for a healthy democracy. “The role of the Opposition is to keep the government alert. However, the Congress has failed to perform this role effectively,” she added.

On the issue of sex ratio, Choudhary said it was a deep-rooted social challenge. “Before 2014, the sex ratio in Haryana was highly imbalanced. After Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign, we have seen significant improvements. Earlier under the guidance of former CM Manohar Lal Khattar and now of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, the state government is taking all possible steps to maintain the progress,” she added.

“Today, daughters are excelling in every field—be it sports, politics, or government jobs. They are making the state and the nation proud,” she concluded.

Later, Choudhary, who holds the portfolio of Women and Child Development Minister, paid a surprise visit to the anganwari centre in Jhanjhari village to review the functioning and facilities at the centre.

She examined various registers maintained at the centre, including records related to children’s attendance, nutrition and health. She also checked the quality of meals being served to the children and interacted affectionately with them to learn about their education and health.

Choudhary instructed officials to ensure proper cleanliness, adequate lighting and sufficient space in proportion to the number of children at the centre. “Anganwari centres play a crucial role in the early development of children. It is essential to maintain a safe and nurturing environment here,” she said.

Haryana Tribune