JAISALMER: Contaminated water from factories in Punjab is allegedly released into the Indira Gandhi canal, which enters the state from Hanumangarh, Ganganagar and Bikaner districts and reaches Nachana and Nokh areas in Jaisalmer.
However, till now the canal department has not taken any concrete measures to stop this water and no talks have been held with the authorities of the neighbouring state.
Farmers in the area have expressed concern over the issue. Pratap Singh Rathore, a farmer from Bharsar said, “The department concerned is not paying any attention to it. Polluted water from factories from Kala Scindia drain is released into the canal water from Harike head. This water cannot be used for irrigation as it will damage the crops.”
Another farmer Prakash Bishnoi from 207RD said, “If this water is supplied for drinking, then there is a possibility of spreading water-borne diseases among the population. At many places, PHED collects this water for drinking purposes.”
These days only 500 cusecs water is received from Pong dam and polluted water of factories is reaching here.
Despite contaminated water in the canals, PHED has not become alert. Although PHED in Hanumangarh has stopped supplying drinking water and has collected water samples, in Jaisalmer PHED has still not taken action. It has not stopped the storage of water.
Indira Gandhi canal project chief engineer Vinod Mittal expressed ignorance about the polluted water in the canal reaching Nachana and Nokh area.
“If polluted water is reaching into the canals then we will collect information about this and will bring it to the notice of IGNP chief engineer Anarjeet Singh Meharda at Hanumangarh. He is authorised to raise such issues on behalf of the state government. He can talk with the Punjab government to make efforts in stopping the contaminated water.”
Meanwhile, additional CE Haret Lal Meena of Jaisalmer IGNP said that after getting information about contaminated water in the canal, he immediately stopped the canal water after Mohangarh. PHED has been informed in this regard.
