The Fact News Service
Patiala, May 25
Punjab Minister for Water Resources and Soil and Water Conservation, Barinder Kumar Goyal today directed the Irrigation Department to carry out on-ground inspections of all canals across the state to ensure that no leakage issues arise. He visited to review the ongoing repair work on the leakage site on the Bhakra Main Line near village Passiana in Patiala, which was reported to have occurred around 6 AM today.
The Cabinet Minister expressed satisfaction that due to the department’s vigilance, the leakage in the Bhakra Main Line was identified and plugged in time. He mentioned that recently, the water level in the canal had been lowered for repair work and when water was released again on May 21, a leakage was detected near Passiana. Acting swiftly, the officials immediately plugged the leakage. He added that the Water Resources Department and its officials are thoroughly inspecting the entire canal line to prevent any recurrence.
Responding to media queries, the Cabinet Minister explained that such leakages often occur when rats create burrows during periods of low water flow in the canals.
Goyal instructed the officials to conduct a complete inspection on both sides of the Bhakra Main Line and to immediately repair any weak embankments found, in order to avoid future leakages. He said that the Water Resources Department is fully vigilant and comprehensive monitoring is being conducted to prevent such incidents.
Goyal further informed that after May 21, the canal was scheduled to carry around 11,000 cusecs of water gradually. Due to the leakage, the water flow had to be reduced temporarily, but after thorough inspection, the canal will again operate at full capacity.
Present on the occasion included were Chief Engineer Sher Singh, SE Sukhjeet Singh Bhullar, SE Ankit Dheer, Executive Engineer Gursharan Singh Virk, SDO Ashish Kumar and other officials of the Water Resources Department.
